title: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy of kidney calculi in horseshoe kidney.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in horseshoe kidneys with calculi.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1995 and 2005, we performed PCNL in 9 patients with horseshoe kidney. In 3 of them, there was a single calculus and the rest had multiple calculi in the pelvis and at least 1 in the calyxes. Ultrasonography, plain abdominal radiography, and intravenous urography (IVU) were performed in all patients. We used fluoroscopy for entering the system and then, pneumatic or ultrasonic lithotripsy was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all except 1 patient (88.9%) we could access the system. Single calculi in 3 patients were removed. In 5 patients with multiple calculi, the calculus causing obstruction was removed, and in 3, the calculi located in the calyxes were removed too. Consequently, 66.7% were stone-free at the end of the procedure. In 2 patients, there were residual calculi in the calyxes and they underwent candidates for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be used in patients with horseshoe kidney if the patient selection is appropriate and the surgeon is experienced enough. The success rate and complications are the same as the patients with normal anatomy. However, access to the lower calyx is more difficult due to its anatomic status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. j_darabi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Darabi Mahboub
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zolfaghari
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahanian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities*; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome