title: What's new in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The goal of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is to ensure complete stone clearance with minimal morbidity. The key to complete clearance is accurate technique, expertise and instrumentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically reviewed available reports that were identified using a PubMed/Medline search. The keywords used were 'PCNL' and 'advances in PCNL'. The findings were reviewed under the topics of newer developments in imaging, techniques and a review of outcomes with an emphasis on stone clearance and complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The newer developments in imaging methods, such as cone-beam computed tomography and staghorn morphometry, help the surgeon to plan the procedure for a safe and better outcome. The highlight of these newer developments is the miniaturisation of instruments. This has translated into developing newer techniques such as the 'microperc' and 'miniperc'. The data-collection initiative by the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society has helped in obtaining a high level of evidence.
authors.affiliation: Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Dr. Virendra Desai Road, Nadiad 387001, India.
authors.forename: Arvind P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Ganpule
authors.affiliation: Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Dr. Virendra Desai Road, Nadiad 387001, India.
authors.forename: Mahesh R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Desai
keywords: Advances; CBCT, cone-beam CT; CROES, Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society; HU, Hounsfield unit; Kidney stones; Microperc; Miniperc; Outcome; PCNL; PCNL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy; RIRS, retrograde intrarenal surgery