Excluded calyx following percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a rare complication

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Urology
• Radiology

Background:

• Staghorn stones are complex kidney stones requiring surgical intervention.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common treatment for large kidney stones.
• Complications of PCNL can impact renal function and anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate a case of excluded calyx following PCNL for staghorn calculus.
• To highlight the radiological findings associated with this specific complication.
• To emphasize the importance of anatomical considerations during PCNL.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiological images from a patient undergoing PCNL.
• Case presentation focusing on the development of an excluded calyx.
• Analysis of the surgical approach via the superior calyx.

Main Results:

• The radiological images clearly show an excluded calyx.
• The excluded calyx resulted from the PCNL procedure for a staghorn stone.
• The surgical approach involved the superior calyx.

Conclusions:

• Excluded calyx is a potential complication of PCNL for staghorn stones.
• Superior calyx access may be associated with this complication.
• Radiological imaging is crucial for diagnosing and understanding excluded calyces post-PCNL.