Comparative study of three different positions used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy

Objective To explore three kinds of lithotomy positions on patients operated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy(PCNL) and to find out the optimal position.Methods 60 cases of PCNL patients were randomly divided into the prone position,lateral position,and 45° supine anterolateral lithotomy position groups,20 patients in each group,to observe the changes of blood pressure,heart rate and oxygen saturation,and to compare the operation time,blood loss and stone-free rate after one session.Results All operations were successful.The blood pressure,heart rate and oxygen saturation changes were more stable after placement of 45° supine anterolateral or lateral position than prone position.The operation time,blood loss,and stone-free rate after one session by 45° supine anterolateral lithotomy position were significantly advantageous compared with the other body positions.Conclusions PCNL with the patients at semi-supine anterolateral position is safe,effective and minimally invasive for the treatment of upper urinary calculi.The position is helpful to moinitor intraoperative anaesthesia and remove stones.