How Do Increasing Stone Surface Area and Stone Configuration Affect Overall Outcome of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Abstract

There is a decrease in the overall stone-free rate, as well as an increase in the complication rate, the secondary procedure rate, the mean operative time, and the need for multiple tracts, with increasing stone surface area with PCNL. With regard to stone configuration, there is a decrease in the stone-free rate, as well as an increase in the operative time, with increasing caliceal component in complex renal stones.