Clinical Analysis of a Coaxial Dilator Set Attached to Needle Puncture for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Introduction: Percutaneous approach to the kidney is a very useful alternative in renal surgery which minimizes the morbidity of a variety of procedures. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, practicity of a reusable system of metallic coaxial dilator coupled to a special puncture needle to perform lumbar puncture and dilation of the percutaneous tract. Methods: A randomized experimental study was carried out involving 50 individuals. These patients were randomized as follows: Group 1 had the procedure performed with the conventional disposable Amplatz set traditionally used for this procedure. Patients in Group 2 were operated utilizing the new reusable coaxial set specially designed for this purpose. The following parameters were measured to compare the 2 groups: sex Corporeal Mass Index (CMI), Pre and postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin. Time interval between the puncture, dilation and access to the renal pelvis and insertion of the nephroscope were also analyzed. Results: There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups concerning hematocrit and hemoglobin changes when comparing prewith postoperative period. Patients in Group 2 required a significant lower time between puncture and final access to the upper collecting system. Conclusion: The new coaxial dilator set showed to be as safe as the conventional Amplatz set with the advantage of reusability and decrease of tract dilation time.