Comparison of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in Moderate-Size renal stones

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the success and complications of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 74 patients. Moderate-size stones were included in the study. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in MPNL, and 32 patients were included in UPNL groups. Among our patient cohort, 42 (56.7%) were males, and 32 (43.3%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 40±13.2 years in the MPNL group, and the mean age of the patients was 42±14.1 years in the UPNL group. The mean stone size was 17±3.2 mm in the MPNL group and 16.4±3.7 mm in the UPNL group. The stonefree rates were 88.1% (37/42) and 90.6% (29/32) in the MPNL and UPNL groups, respectively; there was no statically significant difference between the groups. The mean hospital stay was 1.4±0.23 days in the MPNL group and 1.1±0.12 day in the UPNL group. CONCLUSIONS: Two techniques have similar success and complication rates, and both may be preferred particularly in moderate-size stones. Our experience supports that our UPNL technique is safe and effective using with a standard ureteroscope.