Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal deformities

To assess the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with spinal deformities.

Between 1999 and 2008, eight patients (nine renal units) with spinal deformities underwent 10 PCNLs. Mean stone burden was 372 mm(2) (160-840 mm(2)). Preoperative investigation of the respiratory function, evaluation of anatomy by intravenous pyelography or CT spiral scan, and preoperative planning of the percutaneous access by ultrasonography (US) were performed in all patients. Patients were either in a prone (n = 5) or supine (n = 5) position during PCNL. US-guided fluoroscopic adjusted percutaneous puncture of the desired calix was performed in all the patients.

There was a 40% complication rate related to the number of procedures, with 20% of patients needing blood transfusion and 10% experiencing major complications. Complete stone clearance per kidney after one PCNL was 55.5% (5/9 PCNLs), increasing to 66.6% (6/9 PCNLs) after a second PCNL. Four of nine (44.4%) renal units needed additional procedures after one PCNL (shockwave lithotripsy [SWL], retrograde intrarenal surgery [RIRS], combined simultaneous PCNL and RIRS). At the 3-month follow-up, the overall stone-free rate was 88.8% (eight renal units).

PCNL in patients with spinal deformities is challenging. Accurate preoperative evaluation of the anatomy and respiratory function and a precise preoperative planning are mandatory. US-guided puncture of the collecting system permits avoiding visceral injury. Supine PCNL offers advantages in terms of patient comfort, protection of cardiorespiratory function, and the ability to perform a simultaneous combined ureteroscopic approach, although the prone position, if feasible with the patient's body habitus, may offer a wider space for percutaneous access. Combination therapy with either SWL or RIRS after PCNL improves stone-free rates.