A huge staghorn renal stone: Is there still a need for open surgery to protect against further damage to the kidney? A case report

Introduction: Staghorn calculi (SC) occupy the renal pelvis and calyces and are common in females linked to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Judicious surgery planning reduces the chance of further damage to the kidney due to renal SCs. Open stone surgery (OSS) is one of the various operative techniques to remove such huge stones with one operative intervention and protect the kidney from ongoing functional damage. Case Report: A 47-year-old male patient presented with right-sided renal colic pain, and on further investigations, he was diagnosed with a large renal stone responsible for substantial renal function impairment on the same side. The SC measured 8 × 4 cm with another stone in the lower calyx. thinner parenchyma, and only 16% relative function. Therefore, open surgery was selected over less invasive approaches because multiple lithotripsy (ESWL) sittings may have been required in less invasive options. Discussion: SCs, which can be complete or partial, often result in renal impairment. Hence, it is crucial to implement a proactive therapeutic approach that includes a thorough evaluation of the stone’s size and position, the patient’s choice, and institutional capacity. Complete elimination of SCs is preferred to maintain maximal renal function. Based on clinical, technical, and socioeconomic considerations, open pyelolithotomy or OSS was chosen over percutaneous nephrolithotomy for SC removal in the discussed case. Conclusion: The ability to remove large stones in a single intervention with open pyelolithotomy has been very effective due to its distinctive clinical presentation and pathological abnormalities.