An osteotomy technique in the treatment of staghorn calculus.

A technique was devised for dividing the staghorn calculus with an osteotome after obtaining access to the stone by means of a partial nephrectomy aided by renal hypothermia. The advantages of the procedure are a better control of haemorrhage and a clean cut in the stone with removal of predetermined fragments and a diminished splinter formation. In 17 operations there were no complications of haemorrhage nor urinary fistula and, as yet, no recurrence of stone.