Laparoscopic-assisted mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the ectopic pelvic kidney: Outcomes with the laser dusting technique

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of renal lithiasis has undergone a sea change with the advent of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endourological procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureterorenoscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). The presence of anatomical anomalies, such as ectopic pelvic kidney, imposes limitations to such therapeutic procedures. This study is aimed to find a simple and effective way to treat the stones in ectopic kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, nine patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted mini PCNL with Laser dusting for calculi in ectopic pelvic kidneys at our hospital. Retrograde pyelography was done to locate the kidney. Laparoscopy was performed and after mobilizing the bowel and peritoneum, the puncture was made in the kidney and using rigid mini nephroscope, and stones were dusted with Laser. RESULTS: The median interquartile range (IQR) stone size was 18 (6.5) mm. Median (IQR) duration of the procedure was 90 (40) min. The median (IQR) duration of postoperative hospital stay was 4 (2) days. The stone clearance in our series was 88.9%, with only one patient having a residual stone. No intra- or post-operative complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy-assisted mini PCNL with Laser dusting offers advantages in ectopic pelvic kidneys in achieving good stone clearance, especially in patients with a large stone burden or failed ESWL or RIRS.