Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in patient with Renal calculi: balloon dilatation versus telescopic technique for tract dilatation

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a gold standard in the management of complex renal stone ≥2 cm in diameter. Controversy exists regarding the optimal tract dilatation method in PCNL. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and complication rate of the balloon dilatation technique with telescopic method in nephrostomy tract dilation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy patients. This clinical trial study conducted on, 89 patients underwent PCNL in our center. Patients were divided into two groups according to dilation technique used: balloon dilatation technique group (28 patient) and telescopic technique group (61 patient). Patients matched according to sex and age. X-ray exposure time, blood loss, and complications were evaluated. The rate of stone free in balloon dilatation technique group was 100% and in telescopic one 80.3% (P=0.007). Hemoglobin decrease in balloon dilatation were 1.6±0.2 g/dl and in telescopic were 1.8±0.1 g/dl; No significant difference about hemoglobin reduction was seen in both groups (P=0.7). X-ray exposure time was 1.8±0.8 minute in balloon technique group and1.7±1.2 minute in telescopic group. The average of radiation dose was not significant difference between two techniques (P=0.1). We have not major complication in two groups. Both techniques of nephrostomy tract dilatation were effective with no significant differences in major complications. Rate of hemorrhage were similar in both of balloon dilatation and telescopic technique.