Application of a Self-Made Equipment for Patient Positioning during Percutaneous Nephroscopy in the Oblique-Supine Position

BACKGROUND: The oblique-supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has advantages, but the position fixation methods are inadequate. This study aimed to analyze the PCNL outcomes using a patented self-made frame for oblique-supine position. METHODS: This was a prospective study of patients scheduled to undergo PCNL at 2 hospitals in China between November 2009 and December 2016. The patients underwent PCNL in the oblique-supine position using the self-made position frame (n = 94). Operative time, stone clearance rate, intraoperative average systolic pressure, intraoperative average heart rate, intraoperative average airway pressure, intraoperative average intrapelvic pressure, and complications were observed. RESULTS: The patients were 45.3 ± 19.7 years old and 71% were male. Stones were of the size 2.5 ± 1.1 cm. The operative time was 95.6 min and the stone clearance rate was 81.9%. Intraoperative systolic blood pressure was 15.13 ± 1.68 kPa. Intraoperative airway pressure was 15.5 ± 2.3 cm H2O. Postoperative fever was observed in 3.2% of the patients. None had organ injury. Postoperative stay was 4.8 ± 0.6 days. The nephrostomy tube was routinely removed on the 5th day after surgery and the patients were discharged on the following day. CONCLUSION: The self-made surgical position frame met the position requirements for the oblique-supine PCNL operation. This surgical position frame deserves clinical application and promotion.