Comparison of retrograde intrarenal surgery and percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of kidney stone greater than 2 cm

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the treatment of kidney stone with a diameter of 2~4 cm and to compare its results with those of percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL). Methods We retrospectively analyzed a total of 143 patients: 86 patients (53 males and 33 females) who underwent PCNL and 57 patients (37 males and 20 females) who underwent RIRS between October 2009 and October 2014. Results The mean duration of operation was (100.26±33.26) min in the RIRS group and (75.55±21.5) min in the PCNL group(P<0.001). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RIRS group[(1.56±0.8)d vs (4.57±2.1)d in the RIRS and PCNL group, respectively; P<0.001]. Stone–free rates after one stage was 66.6% and 91.8% in the RIRS and PCNL groups, respectively.The stone–free rate of the RIRS group increased to 87.7% after the second stage.Blood transfusions were required in two patients in the PCNL group.Complication rates were higher in the PCNL group. Conclusions This study revealed that RIRS can be an alternative to PCNL in the treatment of kidney stone with a diameter of 2~4cm, especially in patients with comorbidities. Key words: Kidney Calculi; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous