Percutaneous removal of renal staghorn calculi.

Using a percutaneous approach, 18 of 20 staghorn calculi were completely removed from the upper urinary tract. The initial nephrostomy was performed in the radiology department with local anesthesia. Tract dilatation and stone removal ensued on the next day in the operating room under general anesthesia. Minor complications, including postoperative temperature spikes and pyelonephritis, occurred in seven patients. Two major complications, urosepsis and hemorrhage requiring transfusion, were encountered.