Feasibility of Pure Ultrasonography Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Flank Position

Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy is most commonly performed with fluoroscopic access, yet, phobia and risks of radiation exposure are 2 important dilemmas. Herein the feasibility of flank position ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of renal stones was assessed.
Between September 2012 and June 2016, 250 cases (134 males and 116 females) with renal stone underwent ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy under lateral decubitus position. The exclusion criteria were active urinary tract infection and bleeding status. The peri-operative surgical outcomes were recorded and analyzed.
The mean age of patients was 42.0 ± 13.4 years. Twelve patients were children under 12 years old. Mean size of the stones was 4.2 ± 1.1 cm (range from 2.5 to 5.3 cm). Mean access and operative times were 15.5 ± 2.3 and 68 ± 14.5 minutes, respectively. In 45% of patients, superior calyx was selected for access. History of previous open stone surgery was obtained in 24 cases. Early complete stone free rate (SFR) was 68%, and after auxiliary procedures (SWL and TUL), this increased to 88%. The mean hemoglobin reduction was 1.9 ± 0.9 gr/dL. Blood transfusion was needed in 6 cases (2.4%). Prolonged or delay hemorrhage did not occur in any of the patients. One patient was complicated by moderate degree of pneumothorax and managed with chest tube insertion. Solid or viscus abdominal organ injury had not happened.
This study suggested that the feasibility and outcomes of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy are comparable with the standard fluoroscopic approach. Also flank position can facile this procedure.