Nephrolithotomy in chronic renal failure: saved from dialysis!

Abstract

In patients with severely decreased renal function due to stone disease, dialysis has been suggested as an alternative to surgery. We reviewed 19 patients with creatinine clearances of 20 ml/min or less in whom nephrolithotomy was undertaken. Mean clearances increased significantly from 12.9 to 25.4 ml/min (P less than 0.01). No patient required long-term dialysis. Points in technique that contribute to this improvement in function are discussed.