Removal upper urinary calculi with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in treating upper urinary calculi.【Methods】125 patients who underwent MPCNL for upper urinary calculi from May 2006 to December 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.【Results】The MPCNL was successfully performed in 104 patients.A single tract was used in 85,and two tracts were created in 19.One-stage MPCNL was successfully performed in 74.The stone-free rate was 59.2% (74/125).The second-look PCNL in 30 was required.The stone was cleared in 16 patients.The total stone-free rate was 72% atfer the tow-stage PCNL.21patients changed into open surgery.Major complications were seen in 18 (14.4%) PCNL procedures and significant hematuria requiring selective vessel embolization in 11,urinary extravazation in five,fever in 2 after the operation.All complications were successfully treated.【Conclusions】MPCNL is safe and effective procedure in the treatment of upper urinary calculi.PCNL is a minimal invasive technique but it has a potential risk of complications.Attention to the proper choice of the patients are essential to achieving an excellent outcome,especially the early of this procedure.