Comparative outcomes and cost of ambulatory PCNL in select kidney stone patients

Limited hospital resources and access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic led us to implement a quality-improvement study investigating the feasibility, safety, and costs of same-day discharge after PCNL. The outcomes of 53 consecutive first-look PCNL patients included in a same-day discharge protocol during COVID-19 were compared to 54 first-look PCNL patients admitted for overnight observation. Control group had a similar comorbidity profile. Demographics, operative details, 30 day outcomes and readmissions, complications, and cost were compared between the two groups. Same-day discharge and one-day admission post-PCNL patients did not have significantly different baseline characteristics. The study group were more likely to have mini-PCNL (81% vs 50%, p < 0.01). Operative characteristics including median pre-operative stone burden (1.4 vs 1.7 cm³, p = 0.47) and post-operative stone burden (0.14 vs 0.18 cm³, p = 0.061) were similar between the two groups. Clavien-Dindo complication rates were lower in the study group compared to controls (0 vs 7%, p = 0.045). Readmission rates (2 vs 4%, p = 0.569) and ED visits (4 vs 6%, p = 0.662) were similar between the two groups. Total cost ($6,648.92 vs $9,466.07, p < 0.01) was significantly lower and operating margin ($4,475.96 vs $1,742.16, p < 0.01) was significantly higher for the same-day discharge group. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be performed in select patients without an increase in short-term complications, ED visits, or readmissions. Patients undergoing mini-PCNL are particularly amenable to same-day discharge, however, standard PCNL patients should not be excluded from consideration. Avoiding overnight admission decreases total cost and increased hospital operating margin.