When is the indication of percutaneous chemolysis justified?

Persistent residual stone fragments after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PNL) as well as pyelo- and nephrolithotomy represent a great problem in the treatment of stones. The choice of therapy for patients with insufficient renal drainage, poor renal function, and a high anesthetic risk also remains quite difficult. Between 1991 and 1993, 5 patients underwent percutaneous antegrading chemolysis with 'Suby G' solution. Two patients, presenting struvite and apatite stones, were free of stones afterwards. In 1 patient, where stone size could be observed. In 2 other brushite component, a large decrease in stone size could be observed. In 2 other cases, with stones mainly consisting of whewellite and weddelite, chemolysis proved ineffective. Evaluating our own clinical experience and relevant medical literature, the present study goes on to prove that the indication of percutaneous chemolysis in risk patients as described above is dependent on stone analysis, and must be regarded as an effective adjuvant treatment.