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PCNL in the management of lower pole caliceal calculi.

INTRODUCTION
Several therapeutic methods are used in the management of lower pole caliceal calculi. This survey has been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of lower pole calculi.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty-five patients, 43 males and 12 females with a mean age of 41.5 (range 11 to 75) years, who had suffered from lower pole caliceal calculi and treated by standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) between 1997 and 2001, were enrolled in this study. The stones were classified as follows: small (less than 25 mm), intermediate (25 to 34 mm) and large (more than 35 mm). Mean follow-up was 6.2 months (range 2 weeks to 34 months).


RESULTS
The stones were completely extracted by one session PCNL in 43 patients (79%). Repeat PCNL was needed in one patient and another method was used for stone extraction in another patient. Regarding the size of stone, 88%, 79%, and 74% of small, intermediate, and large stones were completely extracted, respectively. No major complication was noted.


CONCLUSION
PCNL has high success rate in patients with stones larger than 2 cm and its morbidity would be low, provided that it is performed by skilled surgeons.