Why is Percutaneous Nephroscopy Still Performed with the Patient Prone?*

Abstract

Percutaneous access to the kidney can be obtained through the flank of the patient (posterior axillary line) with the patient supine with a slight elevation in the lumbar fossa. This position offers greater ease and safety to both the patient and the surgeon, making it possible for the operation to be carried out under local anesthesia, and permits simultaneous transurethral access to the homolateral ureter and kidney. The authors, who have carried out more such operations than the 280 mentioned here, have observed no complications attributable to this new percutaneous renal approach.