High Supracostal Versus Subcostal Puncture in Adult PCNL

The use of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was first reported by Fernström and Johansson in 1976. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the accepted treatment for staghorn stones, large renal stones, and some upper ureteric stones. Achieving suitable access to the appropriate calyx is one of the most important steps during the PCNL procedure. Effective puncture is key for the success of PCNL. An ideal percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) puncture has been described as one that provides the shortest and straightest access to all calculi, avoids major vessels, bowel and lung, lies along the axis of the calyx and causes minimal parenchymal damage.

Many studies have reported that supracostal access for PCNL is advantageous over infracostal access. By creating a straight path along the kidney's long axis, the upper-pole method guarantees access to the majority of the collecting system and makes it simpler to manipulate the rigid nephroscope and other rigid devices. Therefore, supracostal puncture is perhaps the greatest method for gaining access to the upper pole calyx, where staghorn and big, complicated renal stones are most likely to be located. Although pneumothorax, hydrothorax, and lung damage (1-10%) can result after a supracostal puncture, this injury can now be handled with minimal morbidity thanks to advances in surgical technique and understanding of pleural and diaphragmatic architecture.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years old.
• Patients amenable for PCNL with stone burden between 2 cm - 4 cm (guy score 1-2-3)

Exclusion criteria

• Ectopic kidney.
• Single middle calyceal stone.
• Skeletal anomalies.
• Bleeding diathesis.
• Active urinary tract infection.
• Patient refusing participation.
• Patients with active pulmonary and pleural disease.