Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral-Approach Bilateral Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
Outcome from percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal cord injury, using a single-stage dilator for
Nathan Lawrentschuk1, David Pan, Richard Grills
1University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Objective:
To present our experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating urolithiasis in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a single-stage dilator for percutaneous access.
Patients And Methods:
A prospective database of patients with SCI having PCNL using the single-stage dilator was assessed, analysing patient data, stone-free rates, morbidity and the follow-up outcome.
Results:
In all, 26 patients had 54 PCNLs on 32 kidneys; 20 had unilateral and six bilateral stone disease; there were many staghorn calculi (24/54). Major complications occurred in three of 54 PCNLs (6%). The complete stone-clearance rate was 87% for PCNL alone, rising to 29 of 32 kidneys (91%) or 24 of 26 patients (92%) with adjuvant procedures. A further three kidneys required no further treatment and were monitored, having residual fragments of < or = 2 mm.
Conclusions:
PCNL has a high success rate and acceptable complication rate compared to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and remains a valid first-line treatment option for kidney stones in patients with SCI.
