Two contemporary series of percutaneous tract dilation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Dilation of the tract for percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be performed with three different basic techniques. A retrospective outcome analysis of two techniques-metal telescoping dilation and balloon dilation-in a contemporary series of two European departments shows no significant difference in morbidity related to the dilation procedure. A literature survey that concentrates on publications with a focus on tract dilation shows that balloon dilation is the most frequently performed, but the morbidity reported for the different techniques appears identical. The three standard techniques have been developed more than 20 years ago. Very few new techniques have been added.