To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with flexible ureteroscope via single 20 F renal channel in the treatment of renal staghorn calculi.

Data of 37 cases of renal staghorn calculi treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with flexible ureteroscope via single 20 F renal channel from January 2014 to August 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.There were 14 males and 23 females. Age ranged from 34 to 62 years with a mean of 46 years. The stones in 25 cases were located on the left side, 12 cases on the right side. The diameter of stones was between 3.3 cm to 6.0 cm, average (4.9±0.1) cm. All patients underwent single channel percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with flexible ureteroscope under the guidance of ultrasound, using EMS and holmium laser fragment stones, and the channel of puncture was expanded to 20 F.

Thirty-seven cases were set single 20 F renal channel and 36 cases were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with flexible ureteroscope in one-stage. Single renal channels were set at the subrenal calyx in 34 cases (91.9%). The stone clearance rate in the first stage was 86.5%(32/37)and operation time was between 58 to 125 min with an average of (92±23) min. Postoperative hemoglobin decreased 3.2~9.5 g/L with an average of (5.7±1.8) g/L. The postoperative hospitalization time was 5 to 9 days with an average of (7±1) days. Three patients suffered from fever on surgery day, the body temperature was over 38.5℃. No renal perforation, hydrothorax, seroperitoneum, hemorrhoea and blood transfusion occurred.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with flexible ureteroscope via single 20 F renal channel has high stone clearance rate, mini-invasion and less operative time in the treatment of renal staghorn calculi.