A randomized control trial evaluating efficacy of nephrostomy tract infiltration with bupivacaine after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Abstract Purpose: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of nephrostomy tract infiltration with bupivacaine in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Patients and Methods: All adult patients undergoing unilateral tubeless PCNL from July 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007 were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive infiltration of bupivacaine in the nephrostomy tract at the end of the procedure or not to receive bupivacaine. To show a 10% difference in postoperative pain, a sample size of 30 persons per group would be needed. Postoperatively, the pain score were obtained at 4 and 24 hours by a nurse who was blinded to the protocol. The perioperative outcome of these patients (study group) was compared with those undergoing tubeless PCNL without nephrostomy tract infiltration of bupivacaine (control group). Results: Patient demographics and intraoperative parameters in both groups were comparable. Supracostal access was needed in 65.7% and 72.7% patients in the...