Abstract

Aim: Dilation of the distance from the skin to the kidney stone is one of the important steps of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, due to cost and exposure to radiation, there is a debate about the proper dilatation method. For this purpose, a controlled clinical trial was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of 12 F Amplatz dilator + balloon dilator in terms of shorter duration of tract dilation and scopy time during PCNL. Material and Methods: 60 patients with kidney stones and performed PCNL were included in the study and divided into 3 groups. While balloon dilation was maintained after using 12F Amplatz dilator -only- in Group 1, balloon dilation was performed after using 8/10 dilator/sheat set, dual-lumen ureteral catheter and ZebraTM angled type guidewire as described in the teachings in Group 2. Dilation in patients in Group 3 was performed with just Amplatz dilators ranging from 10F to 30F without using balloon dilation. The access time, dilation time, operation time, scopy time, cost, nephrostomy tube removal time, hospital stay period parameters were recorded. Results: Dilation, operation and scopy times were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to the two other groups (p<0.05). The costs were higher in Group 2. Conclusion: Due to the shorter dilation, scopy and operation time and cost benefits, using 12F Amplatz dilator before and then balloon dilator seems advantageous.

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