Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A comparative study with standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy

INTRODUCTION: To assess the efficacy, safety and morbidity of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two patients with renal and upper ureteric calculi were included in this study. Sixty-nine patients (71 renal units; group 1) in whom no nephrostomy tube was placed at the conclusion of the procedure was compared with a similar control group of 83 patients (group 2) in whom a nephrostomy tube was placed. Operating time, blood loss, analgesia requirement, puncture site urinary leakage, hospital stay and mean convalescence period were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex distribution and stone size. Operating time and blood loss were less in group 1 although they did not reach statistical significance. The mean analgesic requirement, puncture site urinary leakage and hospital stay were significantly less in group 1. CONCLUSION: Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective procedure in this selected group of patients.