Comparative Study of Prone Position Variations for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

In this comparative study, we evaluated the results of flat prone and prone hip flexed percutaneous nephrolithotomy in terms of efficacy and safety to contribute to the optimal prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy position.

Data of the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy operations in a flat-prone or prone hip flexed positions due to renal pelvis and/or ≥2 Calix filling stones between January 2016 and January 2022 were collected retrospectively. Demographic data of the patient groups in different prone positions as well as clinical findings, stone characteristics and operative data were analyzed. The groups were also compared in terms of post-operative findings and complications.

The average age and CROES scores of patients included in the study were 47.15±15.6 years and 221.76±62.49, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of patient demographic data, stone-free status and complication rates. Operation Room Time (ORT) (min) in flat prone PCNL group was shorter in average (100.57±32.74 min vs 92.32±28.75 min, p = 0.041) and duration with nephrostomy (days) and hospitalization (days) parameters were statistically significantly shorter in prone hip flexed PCNL (respectively, p < 0.001; p = 0.005).

Flat-prone PCNL provides significantly shorter ORT. However, the time with nephrostomy and hospitalization with the prone hip flexed PCNL were shorter than flat-prone position. The findings will guide the optimal prone PCNL position.