Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in ectopic kidneys

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), although an accepted treat ment modality in anatomically normal kidneys, is still not universally perf ormed for calculi in pelvic ectopic kidneys. Fear of injury to abdominal vi scera makes it a technically challenging procedure. Patients and Methods: We have performed PCNL in nine patients with calculi in pelvic ectopic kidneys. Technical factors which made this procedure safe include ultrasound-guided puncture, use of a mature tract or an Amplatz sh eath, routine postoperative double-J stenting, and nephrostogram prior to n ephrostomy tube removal. Results: Complete stone clearance was achieved in all cases. Six patients w ere treated in a single stage, while three patients required two stages, Se ven patients needed only one tract, and two needed two tracts. No notable c omplications were encountered. The average hospital stay was 5.2 days. Conclusion: With proper precautions and meticulous technique, PCNL is a saf e and effective modality to treat calculi in pelvic ectopic kidney.