Monoplanar access technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous renal access is the most important step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), and the adequacy of access directly affects the success and complication rates of this procedure. We use a monoplanar access technique that is different from biplanar method in that we utilize only fluoroscopic projections maintained on a vertical plane. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of this monoplanar access technique on operative outcomes. From October 2009 to December 2011, a total of 200 patients who had renal stones and underwent monoplanar PNL which done by the same surgical team were included in this study. Patient and procedure-related factors were recorded, as well as perioperation and postoperation variables such as operation time, puncture time, fluoroscopy screening time, complication rates, success rates, and duration of hospitalization. The average patient age at the time of procedure was 30.32 years. Mean operation and puncture time were 79.8 and 0.83 min, respectively. Stone-free rate was 80.5 % in postoperative day 1. After additional procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), ureterorenoscopy and re-PNL final success rate was 98 % at third month including patients with clinically insignificant residual fragments. There were no severe complications except one patient in whom adjacent organ injury (colon) was observed. Monoplanar access is a safe and effective technique in PNL procedure. Furthermore less puncture time is an advantage of this technique.