Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Safe for Elderly Kidney Stone Patients?

Hakan Türk, Mehmet Yoldas, Tufan Süelözgen, Mustafa Karabiçak, Batuhan Ergani, Cemal Selcuk Isoglu, Sitki Ün and Ferruh Zorlu

Introduction: As a minimally invasive surgical method, PNL displayed a great development in techniques as well as equipments in the course of time. A conservative approach is no longer accepted in the elderly kidney stone patient population. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is indicated as an effective and safe treatment in all age groups. In this study, we present percutaneous nephrolithotomy results obtained from kidney stone patients aged 65 years and over. Materials and Methods: Based on the total PNL operations performed to 570 renal units in our clinic, age, gender, size, laterality and location of the kidney stone, body mass index and number of access were compared for the subjects who were divided into two groups as being over and under sixty-five years of age. Operative time, presence of complications, transfusion requirements, postoperative fever and stone-free rate were analyzed for the two groups. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of gender, body mass index, stone burden, number of accesses and stone laterality. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups with regard to stone free rate, preoperative complication rate and the need for transfusion. The majority of the complications were pain, bleeding, urinary leakage, and postoperative fever. Conclusion: PNL is a technique used for many years with successful results in kidney stone disease. As a minimally invasive treatment, PNL is the gold standard approach for kidney stones, and an effective and reliable treatment modality for elderly patients too.