[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in Reykjavik City Hospital 1985-1993.].

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Surgical Procedures

Context:

• The study examines percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) outcomes for upper urinary tract stones.
• Data was collected from 92 patients undergoing 112 PCNL procedures between 1985 and 1993 at Reykjavik City Hospital.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL for removing kidney and upper ureteral stones.
• To determine the success rate and complication profile of PCNL in a large patient cohort.

Summary:

• PCNL procedures were performed on 92 patients (61 male, 31 female) for upper tract stones, with a mean stone size of 12 mm.
• 87.5% of patients were stone-free after one procedure, and 90.2% were successfully managed (stone-free or residual stones ≤4 mm) after repeat operations.
• The most common complication was contrast media leakage (29 procedures), typically resolving within days with nephrostomy; no serious complications were reported.

Impact:

• PCNL demonstrates a high success rate for upper tract stone removal, with a favorable safety profile.
• The findings support PCNL as a primary treatment option for patients requiring surgical intervention for kidney and upper ureteral stones.
• Minimally invasive nature of PCNL leads to short hospital stays (2-3 days post-operation).