STANDARD PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY VERSUS MINI-PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL STONES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a widely used procedure for removing renal stones. Recent advancements have led to the development of mini-PCNL, which is believed to offer better outcomes regarding stone clearance and reduce complications. Comparing these techniques is critical to optimising treatment approaches for patients with renal stones. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of conventional PCNL and mini-PCNL in stone clearance rates in patients with renal stones. Methods: This randomised trial was conducted from July 2023 to July 2024, involving 120 patients aged 18 to 60 with renal stones. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (n=60) underwent conventional PCNL, and Group B (n=60) underwent mini-PCNL. Stone-free rates were evaluated one month postoperatively using X-ray KUB and ultrasound. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patient demographics, and comparative analysis between the two groups was performed using a chi-square test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of patients in Group A (conventional PCNL) was 38.70 ± 10.98 years, while in Group B (mini-PCNL), it was 41.87 ± 11.45 years. The stone-free rate was significantly higher in Group B, with 54 patients (90.0%) achieving stone clearance compared to 45 patients (75.0%) in Group A (P = 0.03). Additionally, mini-PCNL was associated with fewer postoperative complications. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that mini-PCNL offers a higher stone-free rate than conventional PCNL, with a significant outcome difference (P = 0.03). Mini-PCNL also exhibited a better safety profile, suggesting it is preferable for managing renal stones.