Modalities of management of residual upper calyceal stones after percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn stone: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of management strategies for residual upper calyceal stones (1-2 cm) following percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi, comparing conservative management to interventional approaches.

Methods: A randomized trial included 105 patients with residual stones, assigned to flexible ureterorenoscopic laser lithotripsy (Group A), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, Group B), or conservative management (Group C). Outcomes included the need for additional interventions, stone-free rates, complications, and cost-effectiveness. Patients were followed for 1 year to assess pain, hematuria, hospital readmission, and stone clearance.

Results: Conservative management led to a 20% intervention rate within a year, primarily due to pain, obstruction, or patient preference. A stone size ⩽ 1.4 cm predicted the likelihood of intervention. Flexible ureterorenoscopy had the highest stone-free rate (94.29%), followed by ESWL (71.43%,  = 0.023). ESWL was the most cost-effective option (10.17 × 10³ vs 39.47 × 10³ Egyptian pounds,  < 0.001) but was less effective for high-density stones.

Conclusions: While conservative management avoids immediate intervention, it carries a higher risk of future complications and delayed interventions. Early intervention with flexible ureterorenoscopy or ESWL offers better long-term outcomes, with ESWL being the most cost-effective option.