Paralimbic nephrotomy. Preliminary report.

This preliminary report discusses a method which unites the advantages of the surgical procedures introduced by Gil Vernet and Boyce for the transparenchymal removal of staghorn calculi. The significance of the length of the incision involving the parenchyma and the reduced thickness of the incised parenchyma are stressed. The urine collecting system (pyelocalyceal system) is explored through the renal pelvis making all the calyces well visible. Stones from the kidney can be removed and any anatomical alteration of the pyelocalyceal system is easily noticed. The worsening or improvement of the parenchymal function was assessed in gamma (ionization) chamber isotope studies and with intravenous urography. The restricted bleeding during the operation is attributed to the difference in blood supply between the limbus and other parts of the parenchyma.