Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with Mazzariello-Caprini forceps.

Mazzariello-Caprini forceps were used percutaneously to remove a stone that was impacted distal to the ureteropelvic junction in a patient who had undergone several previous open pyelolithotomies. These forceps open by a rotational rather than a scissoring movement so the shaft size does not increase and they are well suited for operation through a narrow nephrostomy tract. The original design has been modified to allow passage over an angiographic guide wire, thereby placing the forceps precisely at the site of the stone. Also, with the angiographic guide wire to direct them the forceps can be used in a freshly established nephrostomy tract as well as in a mature tract. In our experience the Mazzariello-Caprini forceps have been most useful for nonoperative manipulation of renal and upper ureteral calculi.