[Current status of percutaneous calculus therapy].

Ultrasonically-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has largely replaced conventional open surgery for treatment of stones of the upper urinary tract. PNL has proved to be a safe and effective therapy of upper urinary tract calculi. The different therapeutic strategies using percutaneous nephrolithotomy, comprise PNL monotherapy (large renal pelvis stones, partial staghorn stones, stones in caliceal diverticula, stones and UPJ stenosis) and combination therapy with ESWL (complete staghorn stones). Results reveal high success rates with an acceptable risk of complications and morbidity.