The Effect of One-shot Multi-access Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on Complications

Objective: Kidney stones can be seen as single and pelvic stones as well as complex and multiple calculi. For this reason, single-access is not always sufficient for the treatment of kidney stones and multi-access percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may sometimes be necessary for stone removal. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of multi-access PCNL using the one-shot dilation technique on kidney functions and related complications. Materials and Methods: The effects of access number on the hemoglobin and creatinine alterations, duration of operation, need for transfusion, postoperative fever, and length of hospital stay were investigated in patients who underwent PCNL due to renal stones. Results: Single- and multi-access PCNL using the one-shot technique was performed in 329 and 79 patients, respectively. Duration of operation, duration of scopy, and length of hospital stay as well as alterations in hemoglobin and creatinine values were found to be statistically higher in the multi-access group. Conclusion: One-shot multi-access PCNL can be safely performed for complex kidney stones due to its high stone-free rates, despite some potential complications.