Description

since the first successful removal of a renal calculus via a nephrostomy tract in 1976, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the preferred method of treating patients with large or complex stones.1 Traditionally, PCNL has been performed in the prone position, which allows a wide field for kidney puncture, avoids abdominal visceral injuries, and makes the puncture pathway short and straight. Multiple routes of access and the interoperative use of C-arm fluoroscopy X-ray machines may contribute to the vertical positioning of the puncture. This position provides posterior access to the collecting system, which theoretically enables the surgeon to puncture a posterior calyx through Braudel's avascular renal plane without significant parenchymal bleeding and peritoneal perforation. However, the prone position also has some disadvantages. For example, abdominal pressure decreases end expiratory lung volume and lung capacity, reducing the ability of patients to tolerate prolonged surgery, contraindicating the prone position in morbidly obese patients and individuals with some respiratory diseases.

An alternative position for PCNL consists of the modified supine position, in which patients are placed in a supine position with a water bag or specially designed cushion under the flank. The modified supine position has several advantages. Due to greater comfort, the position has a low impact on a patient's blood circulation and respiratory system. This position makes it easier for the anesthetist to monitor the patient, and it may decrease the use of anesthetics. For high-risk patients, the modified supine position can be changed to facilitate endotracheal intubation anesthesia whenever needed. Moreover, the smaller angle between the horizon and the operating channel improves the removal of crushed stones. This position also facilitates simultaneous ureteroscopy access when necessary, allowing for the combination of PCNL and the ureteroscopy in the management of complex stone diseases. The major disadvantage of the modified supine position is that the kidney is more easily pushed forward by the puncture needle and the fascial dilators, leading to the establishment of a deeper channel.

It remains unclear whether the traditional prone position or the modified supine position is optimal for PCNL. The prone position has been associated with reduced operation times and higher stone clearance rates, whereas the supine position has been associated with greater safety. The Valdivia position improved by Galdakao enables the use of flexible ureteroscopy and an ureteroscopy to treat ureteral and kidney stones at the same time, whereas the Valdivia position improved by Barts often requires X-rays combined with ultrasound for determining the puncture site, and the puncture route is longer. the investigators did not utilize the Galdakao improvement of the Valdivia position since flexible ureteroscopy was too expensive for routine use. Therefore, the investigators compared the efficacy and safety of PCNL in the traditional prone and modified supine positions.