Can We Predict Complications In Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has a high success rate, but on the other hand, serious perioperative and postoperative complications can be seen occasionally. In our study, we intended to identify the factors that might help us to predict the success of PCNL and the complications that may develop. Materials and Methods: PNL operations performed in 481 renal units in our clinic were divided into two groups as the cases with and without complications. Complications such as clinical conditions requiring blood transfusion, fever, ureteral stones, colonic injury, pleural injury and arteriovenous fistulas were compared. Results: Mean age was significantly higher in the group with postoperative complications in comparison to the group without complication. However, the incidence of complications was significantly lower in cases with pelvic stones in comparison to those with calyx and calyx+pelvic stones, while the cases with calyx+pelvic stones had a significantly higher rate of complications with respect to the other groups. Conclusion: It is demonstrated in our study that patient’s age and stone localization can predict complications in PNL. More attention needs to be paid to avoid complications in elderly patients and in complex stones