Partial Nephrectomy for Nephrolithiasis

Abstract

A review is presented of 201 partial nephrectomies performed for calculi localized to a pole or the pelvis of the kidney or for more extensive lithiasis. The surgical technique is described and a follow-up investigation is reported. Information was obtained of the long-term results of 150 operations. The mean observation time was 3.9 years. In 108 cases (72%) the kidney was free from stone, and functioning. The unsatisfactory results were attributable to residual stone and excessively broad indications for the operation. In 54 kidneys with calculi confined to the resected pole, the frequency of true recurrence was only 5.6%. Partial nephrectomy is therefore recommended in such cases. The importance of routine preoperative X-ray examination and of intensive postoperative treatment of urinary infection is underlined. The hitherto little-observed circumstance that spontaneous passage of renal calculi may be facilitated following removal of the lower renal pole is discussed.