In situ Management of Large Upper Ureteric Calculus by Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Era of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to demonstrate the ease and success of in situ management of large upper ureteric stones with mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Urology between January 2018 and June 2019. All patients underwent standard prone mini PCNL with 15Fr amplatz with 80 cases of fluoroscopic and 12 cases of ultrasound guided access. In three cases of tortuous ureters, wire was passed via retrograde catheter and retrieved via amplatz to straighten the ureter. Calculi fragmented with laser. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included in this study, 62 unilateral and 15 bilateral cases (92 renal units). The mean age was 45.4±13.7 years (range 17–71), male to female ratio was 61:16, the disease laterality (left: right) was 28:34. The mean stone size was 17.6±1.4 mm. Mean operative time was 22.4±1.5 min. 88% patients were discharged as day care. Complication rate was 6.5%, three patients had transient fever and two patients had distal migration of small fragments and they were extracted at the time of DJ stent removal by rigid ureteroscopy (100%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that it is easy and effective to deal with large upper ureteric calculus when it is in a fixed position. In situ management of large upper ureteric calculus by mini-PCNL can be done safely and effectively as it is a fast procedure, prevents unnecessary manoeuvres, less complication rates and has good stone clearance rates.