title: Renal track creation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: the history and relevance of single stage dilation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was described in the 1980s and revolutionized the treatment of stone disease. The crucial component to this surgery is satisfactory track creation. We examine how the development and production in the 1980s of a single stage dilator (SSD) subsequently modified for pediatric PCNL has become the ideal access tool for mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) today.
  
  
  METHODS
  The conception, production, scientific and clinical development of the original SSD is described. The pitfalls of track dilation in general according to method of dilation are also discussed and outlined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study provides evidence clarifying commonly held misconceptions about the origin of SSD which is the mainstay of the mPCNL technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous renal surgery continues to evolve. In less than 40 years stone surgery has transformed from a morbid open operation to a number of minimally invasive, routine techniques. The SSD has been an innovation that has played a crucial role in this change.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Frank T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: D'Arcy
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lawrentschuk
authors.forename: Rustom P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Manecksha
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000266:history*