While urologists are traditionally taught to perform percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) utilizing exclusively fluoroscopy, ultrasound has emerged as a safe alternative. This article showcases the major reasons why ultrasound-guided access should be considered the first-line approach for performing access for PCNL.
There continues to be a need to further reduce radiation exposure in the management of kidney stone patients. This review showcases how performing ultrasound-guided PCNL has been associated with a shorter learning curve, increased patient safety, and the ability to perform x-ray free PCNL. Ultrasound-guided PCNL is not only an achievable skill for urologists to learn but provides multiple advantages over traditional fluoroscopic access. As every effort should be given to help reduce radiation exposure for kidney stone patients as well as performing surgeons and operating theater personnel, endourologists should strive to add this technique to their armamentarium.
Current urology reports. 2023 May 06 [Epub ahead of print]
David T Tzou, Thomas O Tailly, Karen L Stern
Department of Urology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, PO Box 245077, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA. ., Department of Urology, University Hospital of Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium., Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.