DefinePK

Abstract

Urolithiasis is increasingly recognized as a chronic, recurrent, and systemic disorder, with its global prevalence rising in correlation with socioeconomic development and dietary shifts. It remains a major cause of morbidity, with a lifetime prevalence estimated between 5% and 10%. This growing burden underscores the need for more effective and less invasive treatment modalities. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL), particularly via the middle calyx approach, has shown promising outcomes in the management of impacted upper ureteric stones due to its high success rates and reduced complication profile. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mini-PCNL using the middle calyx approach, focusing on stone clearance rate as the primary clinical outcome. A descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Urology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, Peshawar, from May 24th, 2024, to November 24th, 2024. A total of 139 patients, aged between 15 and 55 years and of either gender, presenting with impacted upper ureteric stones confirmed on CT KUB were included. All patients underwent mini-PCNL via the middle calyx approach, and postoperative stone clearance was assessed. The mean age of patients was 35.32 ± 11.94 years, with 81 (58.3%) males and 58 (41.7%) females. Stone clearance was successfully achieved in 123 patients, corresponding to an overall clearance rate of 88.5%. The current study concluded that mini-PCNL through the middle calyx approach is a highly effective and minimally invasive option for the treatment of impacted upper ureteric stones, with excellent stone-free rates and broad applicability across diverse patient groups.