ABSTRACT
Background: The management of kidney stones has been a subject of extensive research and debate, with various surgical approaches being developed to address the diverse nature of stone presentations. The background of this study encompasses the evolution of surgical techniques aimed at enhancing effectiveness and safety of kidney stone removal.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of different surgical methods in the management of kidney stones. Specifically, it sought to evaluate the outcomes associated with various surgical interventions, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopy (URS), and shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), in terms of stone clearance rates, complications, and patient satisfaction.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent surgical intervention for kidney stones between [time period]. Patient records were reviewed to collect data on the surgical approach used, stone characteristics, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to associate the effectiveness of different surgical methods.
Results: The results revealed distinct differences in the efficiency of various surgical methods for kidney stone management. PCNL demonstrated superior stone clearance rates compared to URS and SWL, particularly for larger stones (>2 cm). However, PCNL was associated with a higher incidence of perioperative complications. URS emerged as a viable alternative for smaller stones (<2 cm), offering comparable stone clearance rates with fewer complications. SWL, although non-invasive, exhibited lower stone clearance rates and higher rates of retreatment.
Conclusion: The choice of surgical approach for kidney stone management should be tailored to individual patient characteristics and stone profiles. PCNL remains the gold standard for large and complex stones, despite its associated risks. URS presents a suitable option for smaller stones, offering favorable outcomes with reduced morbidity. SWL may be considered for select cases but warrants careful consideration due to its lower efficacy. Future studies should focus on refining techniques and optimizing patient selection criteria to further enhance treatment outcomes.
Keywords: kidney stones, comparative effectiveness, surgical approaches, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, stone clearance, complications.