Totally Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Selected Patients

Abstract

Purpose : Significant early postoperative discomfort after percutaneous procedures is usually secondary to nephrostomy tubes and externalized ureteral catheters. We describe our modification of the traditional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) approach that we name "totally tubeless PCNL." Patients and Methods : Between June 2000 and May 2001, 60 consecutive PCNLs were performed at our centers. At the end of the surgery, we omitted the nephrostomy tube and removed the externalized catheter in selected patients: no solitary kidney, stone size Results : In both groups, PCNL was performed successfully without any significant complications. A 90% stone-free rate was achieved in both groups, and in the remaining patients, small residual stones ( Conclusions : Omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy tube and removing ureteral catheter at the end of surgery in selected patients were safe and accompanied by significantly reduced postoperative discomfort, length of hospitalization, and analgesic requirements. Further studies are needed to determine the role of this technique.