Does previous open nephrolithotomy affect the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

To determine the effects of previous open nephrolithotomy on the results and morbidity of subsequent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Between March 2005 and January 2006, 89 patients underwent PCNL at our institution. We compared the patients who had had previous open surgery on the same kidney (group 1; n = 27) with those who had had no previous surgery (group 2; n = 62). The two groups did not differ significantly in age (45.4 v 44 years), stone burden (361.3 mm(2) v 482.4 mm(2) ), stone number, or laterality. Operative time, hospital stay, success rate, visual analog pain scores 8 hours after surgery, analgesic doses (diclofenac sodium), and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared.

There were no differences in operating time, postoperative analgesic doses, pain scores, intraoperative and postoperative complications, the number of accesses, or the stone-free rate.

The morbidity and efficacy of PCNL are similar in patients who have had previous open nephrolithotomy and those having no previous surgery. Previous open surgery does not affect the success of PCNL.