The purpose of this single-center, single-blind, randomized trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PCNL without reverse insertion of a ureteral catheter. It is planned to start in November 2022 and is expected to end in November 2024. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 200 subjects were expected to be recruited. In a parallel group design, subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received PCNL without reverse insertion of a ureteral catheter , and the control group received traditional PCNL. The primary end point of the study was the incidence of postoperative complications according to the modified Clavien-Dindo complication grading system. Secondary end points included Stone-free rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, and medical costs. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (X ± S), and Student's t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. The counting data were expressed as frequency and percentage, and the chi-squared or Fisher's exact probability test were used for intergroup comparisons. The rank-sum test was used for grade data. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Conventional Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgery requires the patient to first undergo retrograde transurethral ureteroscopic insertion of the ureteral catheter in the lithotomy position, and then change the patient to the prone position. However, repeated operation on the ureter can bring about immediate and long-term negative effects, such as ureteral false way formation, ureteral damage, perforation, avulsion, catheter insertion into the vena cava, pricking the kidney, increased postoperative pain, urinary extravasation, scar formation, and ureteral narrowing. The study planned to perform the operation in the prone position without reverse insertion of a ureteral catheter in the PCNL surgery.