Investigating Complications and Success of PCNL Surgery in Patients with Kidney Stones in Transplanted Kidney

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation is the main long-term treatment for patients with chronic kidney failure, which increases the life expectancy of patients. However, the complications and the success of investigations in this field are important. In this regard, this study was conducted to determine the complications and success rate of PCNL surgery in patients with kidney stones in transplanted kidneys. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients referred to Al-Zahra Medical Center in Isfahan who were diagnosed with stones in a transplanted kidney or ureter and underwent PCNL surgery between 2009 and 2021. The study focused on complications, including the need for blood transfusions and increased creatinine levels of patients compared to pre-surgery values, as well as the rate of complete stone clearance. The data were analyzed with the Chi-square test. Findings: The results of the study showed that 100 of all patients were free of stones. Also, no significant difference was observed between creatinine levels before and after the operation. The patients did not have any complications; only one case of fever and one case of blood transfusion before surgery was reported. Conclusion: The findings indicate that PCNL is highly successful in achieving complete stone clearance in patients with transplanted kidneys, with minimal associated complications. However, due to the limited sample size and post-operative follow-up, further studies with a larger sample size and longer duration are recommended. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.