Factors affecting the success rate of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and the incidence of retained fragments.

The medical records of the first 210 patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotripsy at our university medical center were reviewed. The data were analyzed in an attempt to define those factors that affect the success rate and incidence of retained fragments of these procedures. We found that stone location and extent, and to some degree stone size are the major factors affecting the success rate and incidence of retained stones. Chemical composition of the calculus, history of renal surgery and energy source used for stone removal have lesser roles.