Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: advances in equipment and endoscopic techniques.

Over the last two years there has been a 30-per cent increase in our success rate for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A significant reason for this has been advances in endoscopic equipment. We describe our new lightweight nephroscopes and how they may be used in combination with the Amplatz sheath. Seventeen patients who were successfully treated by electrohydraulic disintegration are reported. We believe this method to be preferable to ultrasonic stone destruction in most cases. The first report of the clinical use of bipolar diathermy for intrarenal endoscopy is described.