Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones

Objective: To evaluate the curative effects of renal or upper ureteral stones by means of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy （PCNL）. Methods: Percutaneous nephrostomy under ultrasonography was performed. The tracts were dilated to 16 or 18F. Through theses tracts, stones were broken into small pieces by pneumatic lithotriptor and then removed by ureteroscope. Results: In the 26 cases, the stones were cleared off at one section in 17 cases, two sections in 4 cases after one week and 5 cases were cured by ESWL or soft nephroscope after PCNL. Conclusion: PCNL is believed to be a minimal invasive and good effective method for the treatment of renal or upper ureteral stones. The result would be better if PCNL combined with ESWL.