Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in horseshoe kidneys. Applied anatomy and clinical experience

The arterial supply of horseshoe kidneys was studied in 6 anatomical specimens to establish whether there is a risk of haemorrhage when performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The anatomy of the collecting system was studied on patients' X-rays, taken in different planes to obtain a three-dimensional view. It was found that there is no increased risk of arterial bleeding in horseshoe kidneys compared with normal kidneys. The orientation of the collecting system offers good access. Eight patients with horseshoe kidneys and 1 with a malrotated kidney were treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy because of solitary or multiple renal pelvic and caliceal stones and 1 ureteric stone. Four patients had had previous operations for calculi. All of the stones were removed without complications.