Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of complex upper ureteral calculi with color Dopplar ultrasound-guided puncture

Objectives To evaluate the role of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of the patients with complex upper ureteral calculi by color dopplar ultrasound-guided puncture. Methods A total of 21 patients with complex upper ureteral stones were included in the study. All the stones were located in the upper ureter renal above L4 with a stone size 1.2-2.3 cm in the largest diameter. All patients were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 21 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed under color doppler ultrasound guidance. The success rate of bleeding volume, operation time and technique morbidity,and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results The procedures of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 21 cases were performed in 1 stage, the overall stone-free rate was 100%, the mean operation-time was 39 minutes, the mean duration of hospitalization was 3 days. No severe bleeding, infection and other severe complications occurred. Conclusion Percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective method for the treatment of patients with complex upper ureteral stones.