Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy without losing the possibility of second-look nephroscopy: The perfect combination☆

Abstract Objectives To evaluate an alternative approach to tubeless surgery that allows a second percutaneous procedure using the same nephrostomy tract. Methods Twenty patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from September 2012 to May 2013 at our institution. Inclusion criteria were: absence of urinary infection, single puncture and operative time less than 2 h. Following the procedure the initially placed ureteral catheter was exteriorized through the working sheath by tying a non-absorbable suture to its end. On postoperative day 1 all patients were studied with non-enhanced CT or X-ray film. If the patient was rendered stone free, the stent was removed along with the urethro-vesical catheter. If a residual stone was present, we recovered the ureteral catheter and used the same nephrostomy tract for a second endoscopic procedure. Patients were assessed for pain, postoperative complications, length of stay, stone free rate, hematocrit and creatinine variations. Results Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. No major complications related to the stent placement and its exteriorization were seen. Two patients required a second percutaneous procedure successfully achieved recovering the ureteral catheter through the nephrostomy tract. Conclusion We present a safe and simple modification of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with its well-known clinical benefits but maintaining a safe path for an eventual second look procedure if necessary.