How well tolerated is supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy
Published on: September 13, 2022
Joyce Baard1, Guido M Kamphuis, Matias Westendarp
1Department of Urology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Purpose Of Review:
Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been described in 1988 and several modifications followed since. Despite claimed benefits, supine PCNL is still neglected by the majority of urologists. Lack of experience and the fear of complications are possible explanations for the resistance to supine positioning. This review evaluates recent literature on the use of supine PCNL, focussing on benefits and safety.
Recent Finding:
The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Global Study and several (retrospective) reports comment on efficacy and safety of PCNL, differences in techniques, or identify conditions and patient factors for best practice. Anesthesiologic benefits (especially in the high risk, cardiopulmonary compromised, patient) and anatomical advantages are described in supine position theoretically favoring safety of supine PCNL. However, there are no prospective randomized studies conducted to support this assumption. Overall, benefits in efficacy or safety, of one position over the other, are not yet proven.
Summary:
Supine PCNL has advantages in selected patients. Ultimately, the decision on position should be made on patient's characteristics and surgeon's preference and experience.
More Related Videos
03:57Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
06:39Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Published on: November 22, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies