[Staghorn lithasis. Report of 98 cases]

Abstract

In cases of staghorn lithiasis, the calculus is formed in the excretory cavities of the kidney. It is considered to be a severe type of calculus due to its effect on renal function, associated urinary infection, and its frequent recurrence. In the present study, 98 cases of staghorn calculi have been reported, which were treated over an 8-year period (1990-1997). The patient population consisted of 56 women (62%) and 34 men (38%). The mean age was 46 years (age range: 20-73 years). A history of urolithiasis was noted in 23 cases (26%). The mean time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was four years. The clinical symptomatology was as follows: in the right kidney was involved in 54 cases, and both kidneys were affected in eight cases. The calculus was radio-opaque in 94 cases (96%), complete in 29 cases (29%), partial in 69 cases (71%), and associated with caliceal extension in 36 cases (40%). In 47 subjects (52%) other lithiasic sites were found, i.e., caliceal in 41 cases, and ureteral in six cases; Impairment of the renal parenchyma was noted in 33 cases (45%). Urinary infection were found in 30 cases (34%). Renal function was impaired in 15 patients. Staghorn lithiasis was severe in a significant number of subjects, i.e., in 59 cases (60%). Surgical treatment consisted of nephrolithotomy (37 cases), pyelonephrolithotomy (28 cases), pyelolithotomy (18 cases) total nephrectomy (14 cases), and partial nephrectomy (one case).