Ureteroscopy assisted retrograde nephrostomy: a new technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

OBJECTIVE To describe a technique for ureteroscopy assisted retrograde nephrostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Under general and epidural anaesthesia, the patient is placed in a modified-Valdivia position. Flexible ureteroscopy is carried out, and a Lawson retrograde nephrostomy puncture wire is placed in the ureteroscope (URS). After the needle has exited through the skin, no further steps are required in preparation for dilatation. RESULTS After informed consent was obtained, two patients (a 43-year-old man with left renal stones and a 57-year-old woman with right renal stones) underwent this procedure. The URS was positioned in the middle posterior calyx and punctured toward the skin. CONCLUSIONS This procedure involves less radiation exposure and shorter surgery than the previous percutaneous nephrostomy technique. Our technique represents another new option for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with a non-dilated intrarenal collecting system.