Dissolution of cystine calculi by pelviocaliceal irrigation with tromethamine-E.

We report 3 cases of cystine calculi. The stones were dissolved by pelviocaliceal irrigation with tromethamine-E, performed either through a percutaneous nephrostomy tube or ureteral catheters. The 25, 27 and 37-day courses of irrigation were well tolerated by all patients. Complications included a single asymptomatic urinary tract infection that required antibiotic therapy and transient hematuria due to catheter irritation. Our experience demonstrates that cystine calculi, including staghorn, can be dissolved by tromethamine-E irrigation, thereby obviating the need for surgical intervention.