Comparison of the safety and efficacy of one-shot and telescopic metal dilatation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Minimizing X-ray exposure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is challenging. Using the single semirigid dilator, also called "one-shot" or "one-stage" is a good alternative to routine telescopic metal dilators to reduce X-ray exposure. Our aim was to compare the single semirigid one-shot dilator with a telescopic metal dilator in PCNL. The intraoperative status was evaluated in 100 consecutive patients randomly assigned to two equal groups undergoing PCNL either with the one-shot (group A) or telescopic technique (group B). No significant difference in stone burden and location existed between the groups (P > 0.05). The mean age of group A and group B was 44.8 ± 15 and 45.6 ± 14 years, respectively (P = 0.78). The mean operation time was 51.14 ± 40.85 min in group A and 57.00 ± 38.85 min in group B (P = 0.46). The mean X-ray exposure time was 41.2 ± 17 and 48.4 ± 15 s in group A and group B, respectively (P = 0.03). The stone-free rate was 94 % (n = 47) in group A and 84 % (n = 42) in group B (P = 0.10). The mean hemoglobin drop was 1.26 ± 0.09 and 1.44 ± 0.11 g/dl in group A and group B, respectively (P = 0.09). The one-shot technique is feasible, safe, and well tolerated in patients undergoing PCNL. In addition to lack of complications, the method also provides less radiation exposure for urologists and nursing teams.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes