Effect of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on Renal Function Measured by Tc-99m- Dimercapto-Succinic Acid Renal Scan

Background and Aims: Nowadays, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a common method for removal of renal and ureteral stones. Although renal parenchymal damage occurs during this procedure, but the burden of this damage to the kidney function is not clearly understood. dimercapto-succinic acid (DSMA) renal radioisotopes scan is one of the best methods for analyzing parenchymal kidney function. In this study we are going to show the extent of kidney function before and after PNL procedure.

Methods: In this study, we collected 37 symptomatic patients with renal calculi who were candidates for the removal of these renal calculi by PNL procedure. They underwent DMSA renal scan before and after the PNL by with 99m technetium dimercapto-succinic acid (Tc-99m DMSA SPECT). The kidney function and the extent of parenchymal damage compared and analyzed by SPSS 13.

Results: Our results showed that mean renal split function was 62.95% in the healthy (not operated) kidney and 37.05% in the affected (operated) kidney before PNL. After PNL the mean of renal split function were 63.30% in the healthy kidney and 36.71% in the affected kidney. The renal functional changes were not significant before and after PNL (P. Value > 0.05).

Conclusion: The renal parenchymal function preserved after PNL. These results advocate treating patients with symptomatic renal stone disease by PNL without any concern about parenchymal damage.