Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy is highly effective for the removal of renal calculi. However, significant morbidity has been associated with this procedure. Consequently, many urologists inappropriately defer to a less effective procedure to reduce patient morbidity. This practice may increase the total number of procedures needed for treatment and result in a substantial increase in health care costs. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy using a 13F ureteroscopy sheath is described to reduce the morbidity associated with standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy while maintaining its efficiency and effectiveness for stone removal. The indications and technique for mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and our results are summarized.
Chan
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James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Jarrett
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D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000191:economics