Effect of Kidney Volume on the Results of Nephrectomy Performed for Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis

Aim This study aims to evaluate the results of patients we treated with nephrectomy due to Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) and the effects of kidney volume on the results. Patients and methods Records of 22 patients who underwent nephrectomy due to renal masses at our clinic between January 2008 and May 2018 and whose pathology results indicated XGP were retrospectively evaluated. The computed tomography (CT) measurement of the kidney volumes of the patients was calculated as the product of the longest length, width, and height of the kidney. The mean kidney volume of the patients was calculated and the patients were distributed into two groups: those that presented volumes below average (Group 1) and above average (Group 2). The patients' mean ages, operative duration, hospitalization days, differences in pre- and postoperative hemoglobin and creatinine levels, and postoperative complications were compared across groups. Results Group 1 consisted of 12 patients and Group 2 of 10 patients. The mean kidney volume of the patients was calculated as 33.4 cm³ ± 26.0 cm³. The mean kidney volume of the patients was 15.8 cm³± 9.9 cm³ in Group 1 and 56.8 cm³ ± 21.8 cm³ in Group 2. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of operative times, preop-postop hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and complications. Conclusion In cases where XGP is considered probable, the priority in preoperative CT must be to thoroughly evaluate the relationship of the kidney with the surrounding tissue and organs rather than to investigate the patients' kidney volumes.