Abstract

Objective: In this study, the adequacy of technical equipment used in the treatment of renal stone along with treatment approaches was evaluated.

Materials and methods: Between January 2010 and June 2010, 106 urology residents and specialists practicing in 10 different urology departments of training hospitals in İstanbul were asked to fill a questionnaire to evaluate the adequacy of necessary equipment and the treatment approaches for the treatment of renal stone.

Results: Eighty percent of the physicians who participated in the study treated at least 8 patients with renal stone per month. While all participating clinics had rigid nephroscope, flexible ureterorenoscopy and electroshock wave lithotriptor were available in 41% and 49% of the clinics, respectively. The preferred radiologic evaluation before percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was intravenous pyelography, and abdominopelvic computed tomography in 72% and 69%, respectively. Tubeless PNL was not preferred by 71% of the participants. The first choice of treatment for coraliform stone was PNL and open surgery in 71% and 26% of participants, respectively. Fifty-four percent of the participants stated that PNL was applied for patients older than 12 years old. Retrograde intrarenal surgery was suggested by 26% of the participants for the treatment of symptomatic lower calix stone.

Conclusion: It is encouraging that PNL application is performed in all clinics involved in this study, however, training hospitals should be more equipped.