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Published on: July 8, 2025
Percutaneous management of staghorn calculi in horseshoe kidneys: a multi-institutional experience
Evangelos N Liatsikos1, Panagiotis Kallidonis, Jens-Uwe Stolzenburg
1Department of Urology, University of Patras, School of Medicine, Patras, Greece. liatsikos@yahoo.com
Insights
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) effectively treats staghorn calculi in horseshoe kidneys (HK). This multi-institutional study shows PNL offers a high stone-free rate with manageable complications for these complex kidney stones.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Staghorn calculi in horseshoe kidneys (HK) present unique management challenges.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a primary treatment for complex renal stones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the multi-institutional outcomes of PNL for staghorn calculi in HK.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PNL in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A review of 15 patients with 17 staghorn calculi in HK treated with PNL across six institutions.
- Standard one-session PNL with fluoroscopic guidance was employed.
- Data collected included access details, blood loss, transfusion rates, stone-free rates, hospitalization, and complications.
Main Results:
- An 82% overall stone-free rate was achieved.
- Average blood loss was 450 mL, with transfusions in 20% of cases.
- Major and minor complication rates were 20% and 46.6%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- PNL is a safe and effective treatment for staghorn calculi in horseshoe kidneys.
- The procedure demonstrates favorable outcomes in a multi-institutional setting.
Background And Purpose:
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a first-line management technique for staghorn stones and stones located in a horseshoe kidney (HK). We present our multi-institutional experience on the management of staghorn calculi within HKs.
Materials And Methods:
The study included 15 patients with 17 staghorn calculi in HKs who were treated by PNL in six academic institutions. All PNL procedures were performed in a standard one-session technique with fluoroscopic guidance. The following information was assessed: Number of access dilations, renal access location, blood loss, blood transfusion, stone-free rate, length of hospitalization. Intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as secondary procedures (second-look PNL, ureteroscopy, and shockwave lithotripsy) were reviewed.
Results:
Mean patient age was 50 years (range 24-72 y) years old. Subcostal (n = 16) or intercostal (n = 1) puncture was performed. The average anesthesia time was 126 minutes (93-200 min). The average blood loss was 450 mL, and transfusions were deemed necessary in 20% of the cases. Single skin incisions were made for the management of 11 renal units, and multiple incisions were made in 6. The average number of tract dilations per renal unit was 2.11 (range 1-4). The overall stone-free rate was 82%. The average length of hospital stay was 4.4 days (range 3-7). The average duration of nephrostomy tube drainage was 80 hours with a range of 72 to 96 hours. Major and minor complication rate was 20% and 46.6%, respectively.
Conclusion:
The performance of PNL is a safe and effective method to manage staghorn calculi in HKs.
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