Minimally Invasive Tract in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Renal Stones

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and morbidity of minimally invasive tract in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) for renal stones in comparison with the standard PCNL. In a randomized trial, 69 patients (72 renal units) undergoing Mini-PCNL (group 1) from May 2004 to December 2007 were compared with a similar group of 111 (115 renal units) patients undergoing standard PCNL (group 2). Patients who needed more than one percutaneous tract or who had simultaneously undergone the two techniques on the same renal unit were excluded from the study group. Chi-square test was performed for statistical analysis of qualitative variables, and Student's t-test for quantitative variables. A p-value of