Comparative Analysis of Mean Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) With Versus Without Nephrostomy Tube

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the removal of large renal calculi. The use of nephrostomy tubes postoperatively is common; however, they may increase hospital stay and patient discomfort. Tubeless PCNL has emerged as a potential alternative.Objective: To compare the mean hospital stay in patients undergoing PCNL with and without a nephrostomy tube.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing PCNL at the Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi, from June to December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (PCNL with nephrostomy tube) and Group B (tubeless PCNL). Both groups were assessed for mean hospital stay, postoperative complications, and stone size using SPSS version 25. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, stone size of 2-3 cm, and ASA I-II. Exclusion criteria included prior renal surgeries and comorbidities.Results: The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group B (1.90 ± 0.80 days) compared to Group A (2.46 ± 0.81 days, p=0.0001).Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL significantly reduces hospital stay compared to standard PCNL.