A new percutaneous nephrolithotomy position in horseshoe kidney: 45 degrees sided prone

INTRODUCTION: In this study we aimed to determine the effects of the 45 degrees sided prone position to the surgeon’s comfort, operation time, fluoroscopy time and complications at the operation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of kidney stone of horseshoe kidney (HK) or rotation anomaly kidney. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty eight patients (25 male, 13 female) with renal calculi and HK, underwent PCNL. After the amplatz sheath was inserted into the collecting system, the patients in group 1 (n:20) were taken to the 45 degrees side position to the side of the operation and patients in group 2 (n:18) were operated in classical prone position. Operative data of two groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Mean stone size of group 1 was 557.8 ±244.8 mm(3) (188–1175) and group 2 was 590.7 ±172.8 mm(3) (423–909) (p = 0.639). In group 1 mean operation time was 78.6 ±21.8 (45–120) minutes and in group 2 was 95.05 ±11.5 (69–120) minutes. The difference for operation time was statistically significant and shorter in the sided group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The working position of rigid nephroscope is 90 degrees to the body after the dorsomedial or dorsolateral access. In our study the position of patient is laterally sided 45 degree and the flexion on the surgeon’s shoulder was minimised. This new position described for PCNL in HK allows comfortable working position for surgeon after upper pole posterior calyces access.