The value of ultrasound guidance in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with holmium laser in the treatment of nephrolithiasis

Objective To investigate the efficiency and safety of treatment of nephrolithiasis by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy(PCNL)with holmium laser under ultrasound guidance.Methods From January 2007 to January 2008,53 patients with nephrolithiasis received percutaneous nephrolithotripsy under ultrasound guidance.The stone-free rate and complication were assessed.Results The percutaneous renal access was successfully established under ultrasound guidance in all patients.Immediate phase I lithotripsy was performed in 52 cases and delayed phase II lithotripsy in only 1 case.No severe complication was noted during nephrolithotripsy.Stones were cleared in 45 cases(84.9%)during immediate phase I lithotripsy.Residual stone fragments were found in 8 cases.Conclusion The treatment of nephrolithiasis using PCNL appears to be efficient and safe under ultrasound guidance.