Editorial Comment

Abstract

Although once a problem of developed nations, obesity has now become a worldwide epidemic, with over 300 million people affected. 1 Calvert R.C. Burgess N.A. Urolithiasis and obesity: metabolic and technical considerations. Curr Opin Urol. 2005; 15: 113-117 Crossref PubMed Scopus (50) Google Scholar Obesity and the metabolic syndrome increase the risk of nephrolithiasis, and as a result, an increasing number of patients present with large renal stones requiring treatment. 2 Taylor E.N. Stampfer M.J. Curhan G.C. Obesity, weight gain, and the risk of kidney stones. JAMA. 2005; 293: 455-462 Crossref PubMed Scopus (826) Google Scholar Surgery in the obese patient can be challenging, as an increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with greater risks of anesthesia and surgical complications. 3 Choban P.S. Flancbaum L. The impact of obesity on surgical outcomes: a review. J Am Coll Surg. 1997; 185: 593-603 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Google Scholar Obese patients may require higher ventilation pressures to ensure adequate oxygenation, and they are at increased risk of cardiovascular, thromboembolic, and respiratory complications after surgery. 4 Aboumarzouk O.M. Somani B. Monga M. Safety and efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy for stone disease in obese patients: a systematic review of the literature. BJU Int. 2012; 110: E374-E380 Crossref PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar , 5 Edgcombe H. Carter K. Yarrow S. Anaesthesia in the prone position. Br J Anaesth. 2008; 100: 165-183 Crossref PubMed Scopus (321) Google Scholar Obesity in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Is Body Mass Index Really Important?UrologyVol. 84Issue 3PreviewTo evaluate the influence of obesity in the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in terms of efficacy and safety and to evaluate other aspects such as fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, total operative time, hemoglobin loss, hospital stay, and the need of auxiliary procedures. Full-Text PDF