Reducing postoperative morbidity of mini-invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Would it help if blood vessels are left unharmed during puncture? A CONSORT-prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to provide a randomized controlled trial comparing single B-mode ultrasound guidance and color doppler ultrasound guidance in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

METHODS

Three hundred patients with renal calculus were prospectively randomly assigned into 2 groups. In group 1 (150 patients), minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) were managed with single B-mode ultrasound guidance; In group 2 (150 patients), m-PCNL were managed with color Doppler ultrasound guidance and a needle bracket in order to guide placement at a target location beneath the skin. The characteristics of patients, operation, complications and prognosis, including body temperature, urine culture, and hematologic tests after the operation were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

Our vessel-sparing technique showed a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin drop, postoperative procalcitonin values, the frequency of postoperative fever, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and urosepsis (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Using color Doppler ultrasound in real time and a needle bracket to detect and avoid main renal blood vessels decreased incidences of hemorrhagic complications and postoperative infection.