Prone Versus Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: What Is Your Position?

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard surgical procedure for treating large, complex renal stones. Due to its challenging nature, PCNL has undergone many modifications in surgical technique, instruments, and also in patient positioning. Since the first inception of PCNL, prone position has been traditionally used. However, alternative positions have been proposed and assessed over the years. This is a comprehensive review on the latest developments related to positioning in the practice of PCNL.

The prone position and its modifications are the most widely used positions for PCNL, but with the introduction of various supine positions, the optimal position has been up for debate. Recent meta-analysis has shown a superior stone-free rate in the prone position and comparable complication rates to the supine position. The advantage of ease of access to the urethra for simultaneous retrograde techniques in the supine position is also possible with modifications in the prone position such as the split-leg technique. Modern-day PCNL has transformed from an operation traditionally undertaken in the prone position to a procedure in which a prone or supine position may be employed; however, published data have not shown significant superiority of either approach.