Partial nephrectomy in surgical treatment of calculous disease

Of a total of 158 partial nephrectomies, a detailed follow-up for up to sixteen years was obtained in 131. The rate of true ipsilateral recurrences was 26 per cent. Computer analysis of various parameters indicated that a previous history of a stone in the same or the contralateral kidney, or the presence of multiple or scattered stones in the affected side, were associated with a particularly high recurrence rate. Urinary infection at the time of or prior to operation was not of prognostic significance. The importance of complete excision of the calyceal neck was confirmed. It was concluded that the operation is logical for removal of a diseased segment of kidney, but generally cannot be recommended in the hope of removing a stone-bearing area of kidney and hence reducing the recurrence rate.