Intrasinusal pyelocalicotomy with lower pole nephrotomy for removal of renal stones.

A small renal sinus often limits exposure of the intrarenal pelvis and restrains the sinus approach for removal of renal stones. For 14 such cases, we used a lower pole nephrotomy combined with extended pyelolithotomy. Incision of the renal parenchyma through the intersegmental avascular plane greatly facilitated exposure of the intrarenal collecting system and enabled stone removal through the longitudinal incision of the collecting system. The indication for operative technique and results of the procedure are described.