Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy by holmium laser(report of 272 cases)

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy by holmium laser,and to discuss the skills in the operative procedure and the prevention of complications.Methods A total number of 272 patients underwent PCNL,including 190 renal calculi ones and 82 upper urethral calculi ones.A retrograde urethral catheter was inserted before patients were placed in prone position,the skin was punctured and the tract was dilated under the guidance of C-arm X-ray to set up the tract for PCNL,stones were fragmented by holmium laser.Results 241 patients were operated successfully for one stage.The mean operation time was 105 min(range,70~180min),the mean estimated blood loss was 90 ml(range,40-260 ml).No severe complications occurred.Conclusion Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy by holmium laser is a safe and effective procedure with miniature trauma and less complications,which is a suitable therapy for renal and upper urethral calculi.