EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TUBELESS MINI PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION: AN INSTITUTION BASED CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: A gold standard treatment for treating complex and simple renal stones is PCNL (Percutaneous
nephrolithotomy) having a success rate of more than 90%. Since its introduction, various refinements and
modifications have been done in PCNL to reduce hospital stay, mortality including small nephroscope and
working sheath, excluding nephrostomy tube use, PCNL with general anesthesia, and nephrostomy tract sealing.
Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of tubeless mini percutaneous
nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Material and method: The present retrospective clinical study was conducted on subjects having upper ureteric
or renal calculi undergoing tubeless mini PCNL where postoperative and intraoperative events were assessed
and the results were formulated.
Results: The study analyzed 450 study subjects of 10 to 15 years and the mean age of 12.04±3.62 years. The
postoperative complications were also assessed in the present study. Fever was the most common complication
seen in the study subjects, which was seen in 2.88% (n=13 study subjects followed by hematuria in 1.77% (n=8)
study subjects. Other complications seen in the present study were sepsis, colonic injury, and pleural injury each
seen in 0.88% (n=4) of study subjects. On assessing the stone-free rate in the study subjects, it was seen that
residual stones were seen in 5% (n=22) study subjects, and a complete stone-free rate was seen in 95% (n=428)
study subjects
Conclusions: The present study concludes that PCNL is a safe and effective treatment with less morbidity and a
good clearance rate when conducted by surgeon expertise in the field.