Merits of posterior lumbotomy approach to the upper urinary tract

Posterior lumbotomy incision is anatomically the most straightforward approach to the kidney and the upper ureter. A brief description of the operative technique is followed by a report of the author's experience with this approach in 38 operations on the upper urinary tract. The access provided was judged to be adequate in 35 (92%) patients although twelve patients (31.5%) required upward extension of the incision for the access to become adequate. Thirty-three patients (87%) were mobile and did not require analgesia by third postoperative day. Average hospital stay was 6 days. Complications occurred in seven patients (21%). There was no hospital mortality. This incision is recommended for relatively simple operations of upper urinary tract like pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy.