Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with pneumatic and ultrasonic power under ultrasound guidance for treatment of kidney calculi in non-uronephrosis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of management of kidney calculi in non-uronephrosis by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) under ultrasound guidance. Methods From July 2005 to June 2008, 97 cases of kidney calculi in non-uronephrosis were performed by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. A tube was first inserted into the pelvis through cystoscope, and saline was instilled to dilate collecting system. Antegrade percutaneous access was obtained under ultrasound guidance. A combination of pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotrite was used to disintegrate and remove stone under direct vision. Clinical data including operation time, complications and stone free rate were analyzed retrospectively. Results The perutaneous renal access was successfully established under ultrasound guidance in all patients, immediate phase Ⅰ lithotripsy was performed in 95 cases and delayed phase Ⅱ lithotripsy in 2 cases. Operation time was 70-180 min, average time was (96±23 ) min. The average blood loss was 60 ml (20-500 ml), 4 cases had transfusion during the PCNL and average 400 ml. Minor pyrexia ( < 39℃) was seen in 24 cases,whereas serious pyrexia was noted in 3 cases. Conservatively administered with appropriate antibiotics, the fever disapeared in 27 cases within 5 days postoperatively. Severe complications did not occur during nephrolithotripsy. Stones were cleared completely in 78 out of 97 cases (80.4%)during immediate phase Ⅰ lithotripsy, residual stone fragment was found in 19 cases. Conclusion The management of kidney calculi in non-uronephrosis by PCNL appears to be efficacious and safe under ultrasound guidance. Key words: Kidney calculi;  Endoscopy;  Lithotripsy