Dorsovertical lumbotomy approach for surgery of upper urinary tract calculi

During a 30-month interval 26 patients underwent pyelolithotomy or upper ureterolithotomy through the dorsovertical lumbotomy approach. The intraoperative course and postoperative performance were compared to those in a similar group of patients operated upon using the standard flank incision. Our analysis established the superiority of the dorsovertical lumbotomy incision for all factors evaluated, especially postoperative drainage, analgesic use and hospital stay. The surgical steps are described in detail and the relative contraindications are discussed.