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Abstract P ercutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is awell known and effective method that has been performed for along time with higher success rates than other minimally invasive options in the management of kidney stones. Sequential dilatation, either alken or amplatz dilators, is commonly used for dilatation of the renal access needed for PCNL. The present study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of balloon dilator in dilating anephrostomy tract versus sequential dilators (alken or amplatz). In the current study balloon dilatation was superior on sequential dilation regarding the following: 1- Safety: a- Blood loss & need for blood transfusion in balloon dilatation group were markedly less than that of sequential dilation group. b- Fluroscopy time exposure in balloon dilatation group was markedly less than that of sequential dilation group. c- Intra operative complications as collecting system perforation or injury to adjacent organ plus post operative complications as fever or septiciemia in balloon dilation group were also less than that of sequential one. 2- Efficacy: Tract dilatation time using balloon was less than that of sequential dilatation group so, consequence whole operative time decreased if other factors remains constant (surgeon, operating techniques…) Despite high cost of balloon dilator and its limited use in recurrent cases, the current study showed that balloon dilator has the upper hand over other sequential dilators regarding efficacy & safety. |