Staghorn lithiasis: a study of 98 cases.

In cases of staghorn lithiasis, the calculus is formed in the excretory cav ities of the kidney, it is considered to be a severe type of calculus due t o its effect on renal function, associated urinary infection, and its frequ ent recurrence. In the present study, 98 cases of staghorn calculi have bee n reported, which were treated over an 8-year period (1990-1997). The patie nt population consisted of 56 women (62%) and 34 men (38%). The mean age wa s 46 years (age range: 20-73 years). A history of urolithiasis was noted in 23 cases (26%). The mean time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was four years. The clinical symptomatology was as follows: in the right kidney was involved in 54 cases, and both kidneys were affected in eight cases. T he calculus was radio-opaque in 94 cases (96%), complete in 29 cases (29%), partial in 69 cases (71%), and associated with caliceal extension in 36 ca ses (40%). In 47 subjects (52%) other lithiasic sites were found, i.e., cal iceal in 41 cases, and ureteral in six cases; impairment of the renal paren chyma was noted in 33 cases (45%). Urinary infection were found in 30 cases (34%). Renal function was impaired in 15 patients. Staghorn lithiasis was severe in a significant number of subjects, i.e., in 59 cases (60%). Surgic al treatment consisted of nephrolitholomy (37 cases), pyelonephrolithotomy (28 cases), pyelolithotomy (18 cases) total nephrectomy (14 cases), and par tial nephrectomy (one case). (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales E lsevier SAS.