Percutaneous Coagulum Nephrolithotripsy: Clinical Experience

Abstract

The scattering of stone fragments throughout the kidney is an annoying complication of intrarenal stone disintegration and the main reason for residual calculous material after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Theoretically, a coagulum formed around the stone prevents the dispersal of the fragments and facilitates complete stone removal (Fig. 1a-d). Attempts to adapt techniques of coagulum pyelolithotomy for this purpose failed because all clots formed of blood derivates carry a high risk of pulmonary embolism and clotting disorders when applied percutaneously [3, 5]. These problems are avoided if the calculus is coated with a thermolabile gelatin during disintegration.