New technique to perform percutaneous nephrolithotripsy total dorsal decubitus

Abstract Introduction Based on the knowledge of percutaneous surgeries performed by Valdivia-Uria technique, we developed changes which set a new technique to perform percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Material and methods A retrospective study encompassing 1775 procedures was performed from 1996 to 2009, including all the patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotripsy to treat urinary lithiasis. Patients were in total dorsal decubitus position, and it a puncture was performed in the posterior axillary line, dilation and placement of the Amplatz sheath in parallel position to the radio transparent table or slightly inclined downward. Results The median operating time was 55min and a complete clearance of the stones was achieved in 81.8% of the cases. In 12% of the cases the concurrent removal of the renal and ureteral lithiasis was performed. Conclusion This technique facilitates simultaneous ureteroscopy and nephroscopy without the need of repositioning the patient, and it is also a good option for percutaneous access.