Outcome from percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal cord injury, using a single-stage dilator for access.

Abstract

To present our experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating urolithiasis in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a single-stage dilator for percutaneous access. A prospective database of patients with SCI having PCNL using the single-stage dilator was assessed, analysing patient data, stone-free rates, morbidity and the follow-up outcome. In all, 26 patients had 54 PCNLs on 32 kidneys; 20 had unilateral and six bilateral stone disease; there were many staghorn calculi (24/54). Major complications occurred in three of 54 PCNLs (6%). The complete stone-clearance rate was 87% for PCNL alone, rising to 29 of 32 kidneys (91%) or 24 of 26 patients (92%) with adjuvant procedures. A further three kidneys required no further treatment and were monitored, having residual fragments of < or = 2 mm. PCNL has a high success rate and acceptable complication rate compared to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and remains a valid first-line treatment option for kidney stones in patients with SCI.