Perioperative prophylaxis for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: randomized study concerning the drug and dosage

To compare sulbactam-ampicillin and cefuroxime antibiotics for prophylaxis of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to find out the optimal regimen for antibiotic maintenance to prevent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Between February 2010 and March 2011, a total of 198 patients in whom PCNL was performed were prospectively randomized into two main groups regarding the type of prophylactic antibiotic (group1: sulbactam-ampicillin, group 2: cefuroxime). Each group was further randomized according to duration of antibiotic maintenance (a: single dose prophylaxis, b: additional dose 12 hours after prophylaxis, c: beginning with prophylactic dose until the nephrostomy tube removal). Seven patients in whom purulent urine was obtained through the access needle were excluded from the study. Groups were compared in terms of stone- and operation-related factors as well as preoperative urine cultures, access cultures, stone cultures, postoperative urine cultures, and presence of SIRS.

A total of 191 patients (group 1: 95, group 2: 96) were evaluated. Mean patient age, body mass index, stone size, and perioperative outcomes were similar. Positive culture rates did not differ between groups. SIRS was observed in 13 (43.3%) patients in group 1 and 17 patients (56.7%) in group 2 (P=0.44). The relation between duration of antibiotic maintenance and SIRS development was not different in each group (P=0.95 for group 1, P: 0.39 for group 2). Urosepsis was observed in two patients, and one patient died because of septic shock.

Sulbactam-ampicillin and cefuroxime antibiotics can be used safely for prophylaxis of PCNL. Single dose administration is sufficient.