[Totally ultrasound guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: An efficient and safe technique].

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the treatment for large and complex renal stones. Fluoroscopic guidance is the most used imaging method; however, radiation exposure is a significant concern. Recent studies have shown that ultrasound-guided PCNL is also feasible.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of the two-step tract dilation technique using ultrasound guidance to avoid radiation exposure.

Material And Methods: Retrospective evaluation of data of patients treated between February 2019 and January 2023. Two groups were included based on tract dilation: Group 1 (G1): two-step totally ultrasound-guided dilation, and group 2 (G2): fluoroscopy-guided dilation.

Results: 100 patients were included, 50 in each group. Body mass index (31.7 vs. 28.7kg/m²; p = 0.002) and stone burden (10,935.69 vs. 5,460.86mm³; p = 0.006) were higher in G1; fluoroscopy was absent in the same group (0 vs. 29.4 sec; p < 0.005). Complications occurred in 13 patients in G1 and in 7 in G2 (p = 0.32); no complications grade 3b, 4 or 5 were observed in either group. The overall stone-free rate was 76% (74% vs. 78%; p = 0.81).

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided PCNL is a safe technique that avoids radiation exposure without compromising clinical outcomes.