Publication:

Comparison of the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in different age groups

Background Evaluation of feasibility, safety and effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in different age groups.

Methods Between July 1997-October 2012, 233 patients who were 65 years old and older were included in this study. These patients were divided into two age subgroups used in gerontology research. Group 1 was defined as patients 65-74 years old, Group 2 was older than 74 years old. Data from patient records, including demographic characteristics, preoperative evaluation, operative details, and complications were retrospectively analyzed and compared with control group data.

Results The mean age of 233 patients was 69.7±4.6 years. The mean operative times for Group 1, group 2 and the control group were 76.2±47.3mins, 92.9±47.6mins, 77±44mins, respectively and there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 and the control group (p>0.05). Twenty-eight of the 233 patients (12%) needed blood transfusion due to perioperative bleeding. The transfusion rates of groups 1 and 2 were 11.3% and 16.7%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups and control group for blood transfusion rates (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in complications between the study and control groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions In geriatric patients, stone-free rates, transfusion rates and other operation parameters are similar to younger populations when experienced surgeons perform PCNL. Despite comorbidities and decreased body reserve, PCNL can be performed without a significant increase in complications in different ages.