TAIPEI, TAIWAN (UroToday.com) - With dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence of kidney stones, the use of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) continues to rise. Radiation doses associated with fluoroscopy are a matter of concern. The use of ultrasonography (US) is a viable alternative to x-ray.
Dr. Inanloo and colleagues evaluated the efficacy and safety of US for renal access during PCNL. A total of 351 patients were evaluated over the period of 2 years at a single academic institution in Iran. There were no major complications such as bowel injury or vascular injuries reported. Authors concluded that in the hands of an experienced urologist who has adequate training in ultrasonography basics, the procedure is feasible, safe, and efficacious.
There were questions regarding the use of fluoroscopy during the procedure, including whether Dr. Inanloo used any fluoroscopy during the procedure. The conclusion was made that the initial renal access was carried out using only US and a limited amount of fluoroscopy was used to confirm stone-free status and any extravasations at the end of the procedure.
Presented by Seyed Hassan Inanloo and Seyed Reza Yahyazadeh at the 32nd World Congress of Endourology & SWL - September 3 - 7, 2014 - Taipei, Taiwan
Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Written by Zhamshid Okhunov, MD, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, and medical writer for UroToday.com
