Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: keeping the bridge for one night

This study was conducted to compare nephrostomy-free percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with early nephrostomy tube removal (after 1 day). A prospective study started from January 2008 through December 2009 and included patients who underwent non-complicated PCNL through a single tract without intra-operative residual stones. Nephrostomy-free technique was performed during 2008 (nephrostomy-free group). During 2009, a nephrostomy tube was placed for 1 day (1-day nephrostomy group). Both groups were compared for post-operative events, dose of analgesia, hemoglobin deficit and hospital stay. The study included 55 patients (27 in nephrostomy-free group and 28 in 1-day nephrostomy group). There were no statistically significant differences between patients, renal and stone characteristics of both groups. Post-operative events were significantly more in nephrostomy-free group (26 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.039). They include hematuria in three (11.1%) of nephrostomy-free patients and one (3.6%) of 1-day nephrostomy patient, severe renal colic in four patients of nephrostomy-free group (14.8%), and temporary urinary leakage via the nephrostomy site in three patients of 1-day nephrostomy group (10.7%). Mean dose of post-operative analgesia, mean hemoglobin deficit and hospital days were comparable for both groups (p = 0.946, 0.541, 0.807, respectively). A second look PCNL was performed through the already present tract to retrieve residual stones in two patients with nephrostomy. In conclusion, 1-day nephrostomy technique after PCNL showed significantly better post-operative course. It was comparable to nephrostomy-free technique in analgesic requirements and hospital stay. The nephrostomy tube provided a bridge for second look nephroscopy.