[Prone and supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: is it necessary to change the operative technique?]

To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed in the supine position. To investigate whether the change in operative technique, between prone and supine position, is easy.

Thirty patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy, by one surgeon in one hospital, were studied retrospectively. The eight first cases were performed in prone position, and the following 22 patients were operated in supine position according to Valdivia's operative technique. Data were analyzed with t-test. We considered P<0.05 as significant.

Surgical complication rate, transfusion rate and fever rate were the same for both groups. Success rate was 72% in supine position group and 63% in prone position group (P>0.05). These results were comparable with the data of the literature. Only operative time was shorter in supine position group with significant statistical difference (P=0.02).

In our experience, percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine position was safe and efficient, and outcomes were similar to that in the prone position. Learning curve was easy and fast.