OBJECTIVE: To describe a standardized and easily reproducible method for fluoroscopy-guided renal access during supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2010, 35 patients underwent sPCNL. In 10 patients, ultrasound-guided puncture was unsuccessful. In these patients, we completed percutaneous access with a method based on fluoroscopy. We used a simple technique, adapted to sPCNL, consisting of cephalad tilting of the C-arm during puncture of the targeted calyx. We prospectively recorded the time necessary for the puncture, the success, and the complication rate of the puncture. RESULTS: Among the 10 study patients, the mean operative time for the puncture was 50 seconds (range 35-180). The puncture was successful after 1 attempt in 7 patients and in the remaining patients after a second or a third attempt. There were no complications related to the puncture technique. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is easy and reproducible for creating a fluoroscopy-guided renal access adjunctive to ultrasound during sPCNL. It may also be useful for urologists not familiar with ultrasound-guided access.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a standardized and easily reproducible method for fluoroscopy-guided renal access during supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2010, 35 patients underwent sPCNL. In 10 patients, ultrasound-guided puncture was unsuccessful. In these patients, we completed percutaneous access with a method based on fluoroscopy. We used a simple technique, adapted to sPCNL, consisting of cephalad tilting of the C-arm during puncture of the targeted calyx. We prospectively recorded the time necessary for the puncture, the success, and the complication rate of the puncture. RESULTS: Among the 10 study patients, the mean operative time for the puncture was 50 seconds (range 35-180). The puncture was successful after 1 attempt in 7 patients and in the remaining patients after a second or a third attempt. There were no complications related to the puncture technique. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is easy and reproducible for creating a fluoroscopy-guided renal access adjunctive to ultrasound during sPCNL. It may also be useful for urologists not familiar with ultrasound-guided access.