Treatment of upper urinary tract calculi with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in treating upper urinary tract calculi. Methods The data 86 patients with upper urinary tract calculi who had undergone MPCNL from December 2005 to December 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Results of the 86 cases, 83 underwent one-stage MPCNL, and 3, two-stage MPCNL. The procedure was performed by single tract in 86 cases. The total stone clearance rate was. 83.7%. The average operative time was 120 min, and average nephrostomy tube indwelling time was 7 days, average hospital stay was 13 days. No blood transfusion was needed during operation. Conclusions MPCNL has advantages of minimal trauma, less blood loss, fewer complications, and is safe and effective in treating upper urinary tract calculi, especially for patients who will have the second procedure.