Single step access into the pelvicalyceal system using the webb target dilator for PCNL and comparison with sequential dilatation technique

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the single step dilatation of the pelvicalyceal system using the Webb target dilator. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients who underwent PCNL using the Webb dilator were compared with 30 pa-tients in whom sequential dilatation was done. The two groups were similar as regards age, stone location and degree of hydronephrosis. Results: The Webb dilator was associated with a lesser time for tract dilatation as compared to the sequential dila-tation group. There were no significant complication in either group. There was a higher incidence of failure of adequate access to pelvicalyceal system with the Webb dilator group if the pelvicalyceal system was not dilated. Conclusions: The Webb target dilator is a safe, rapid and effective method of tract dilatation during PCNL and is associated with significantly shorter time in tract dila-tation as compared to the sequential dilatation group. How-ever it is not suitable for non-dilated pelvicalyceal systems.

Keywords

• Renal stone disease
• nephrolithotomy
• percutaneous. Webb target dilator.