Pathophysiology and management of infectious staghorn calculi.
The American Urological Association Nephrolithiasis Guidelines Panel recently conducted a critical meta-analysis of the existing literature to determine the optimal management for staghorn calculi. This article briefly discusses the pathophysiology of staghorn calculi and, based on the panel's recommendations, examines the alternative medical treatments (eg, chemolysis) and surgical treatments (eg, shock wave lithotripsy, open surgery, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy) available for staghorn patients. Considering the various modalities for staghorn disease, percutaneous nephrolithotomy should be the first-line treatment for most patients based on its superior efficacy and low morbidity.
Department of Urology, The Emory Clinic, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd., Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Kelly A
KA
Healy
Kenneth
K
Ogan
D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008096:Lithotripsy; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous; D010710:Phosphates / Q000502:physiology; D000069877:Struvite; D018666:Ureteroscopy
D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D000069877:Struvite