Percutaneous nephrolithotomy non-papillary puncture trends. A review of the literature

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard of treatment for large renal calculi. Papillary puncture is the mainstay of treatment for large renal calculi, but the non-papillary has been introduced and gained some interest. The aim of this study is the investigation of trends of non-papillary access for PCNL over the years. A review of the literature took place and 13 publications were included in the study. Two experimental studies investigating the feasibility of non-papillary access were found. Five cohort prospective and 2 retrospective studies for non-papillary access and 4 comparative studies between papillary and non-papillary access were included. Non papillary access is a technique that has been proved as a safe and efficient solution that keeps up with the latest endoscopic trends. A wider use of this method could be expected in the future.