Effect of percutaneous nephrostolithotomy on renal function.

In 15 patients with 17 stone-containing renal units renal function studies were performed before and 2 to 3 months after percutaneous nephrostolithotomy. The creatinine clearance of the operated renal units was calculated from the total creatinine clearance and differential renal function was obtained with radionuclides. Changes in the cortical images of the operated kidney also could be determined from the radionuclide scans. There was no significant change in the creatinine clearances when all of the operated kidneys were considered. However, there was significant improvement in the function of 12 units containing infectious stones in which preoperative function was reduced. Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy preserves or improves renal function and can be used for all types of renal stones.