Elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 50 patients: an analysis of the technique, results and complications.

Elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 50 consecutive patients is reviewed. Of the 50 patients 24 had never had a renal operation. Radiological puncture, dilation and subsequent placement of a nephrostomy tube were done in a single session when possible. An adequate tract was formed in 84 per cent of the cases. Of 42 patients who presented for endoscopic lithotomy 71 per cent had completely successful removal of the calculi. The mean hospital stay was 8.3 days.