Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Staghorn Calculi in Patients 70 Years and Older

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for staghorn calculi in patients 70 years and older. METHODS: From March 1990 to December 2011, 76 patients with staghorn calculi underwent PNL. They divided into two groups according to age 70 years and older (group I, n=32) and younger than 70 years (group II, n=46). Preoperative parameters (stone type, stone volume, concomitant diseases, and preoperative urine culture results) and perioperative parameters (operative time, complication rate, transfusion rate, and success rate) were evaluated. Additionally, we analyzed the composition of the urinary stones using the chemical analysis method. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups for stone size, urine culture rate, operative time, success rate, and complication rate. But comorbidity, American Society of Anaesthesiology score, postoperative hemoglobin level, and transfusion rate were different (p<0.05). There were no serious complications or deaths. Magnesium ammonium phosphate component was found in 53.1% of group I and 60.9% of group II. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of PNL for staghorn calculi in patients 70 years and older were comparable to those seen in younger patients. PNL for this condition can be considered a safe and effective surgical option for appropriately selected elderly patients.