Purpose: To present the combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy for the treatment of stones in pelvic ectopic kidneys.
Patients and Methods: The series included seven male and four female patients (mean age 43 ± 9 years). Laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed for caliceal stones in five patients after failure of shockwave lithotripsy, while laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was performed for large or branched renal pelvic stones in six patients.
Results: The mean operative time was 164 ± 30 minutes. There were neither complications nor conversions to open surgery. The stone-free rate was 91% (10 patients). One patient had a residual caliceal fragment that was treated with shockwave lithotripsy. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 ± 0.7 days.
Conclusion: The combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy is feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of stones in pelvic kidneys.
