Journal of endourology
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Journal of endourology · Jul 2015
Review Meta AnalysisRetrograde Intrarenal Surgery Versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Treatment of Lower Pole Renal Stones: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
The optimal treatment of patients with lower pole renal stones continues to be a dilemma for urologists. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) all constitute viable therapeutic options in selected patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of RIRS, PCNL, and SWL in management of lower pole renal stones. ⋯ RIRS offers a relative higher SFR while it has a longer operative time. PCNL is associated with the highest SFR at the expense of the longest hospital stay. SWL is performed as an outpatient procedure with a relative shorter operative time; however, it has lower a SFR and higher re-treatment rate. The categories of complications vary while the overall complication rates are comparable among the three treatment techniques.