The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Global Study: Tract Dilation Comparisons in 5537 Patients

Abstract

The Global PCNL Study has identified differences in the method of dilation used between centers in Asia, Europe, and the United States. In the balloon dilation group, a total longer operative time and higher bleeding and transfusion rates were observed. The differences in outcome may be influenced by patient heterogeneity, including previous anticoagulation therapy or surgical procedures, in addition to the number of stones treated and rate of staghorn calculi, which were all higher in the balloon group.