ABSTRACT

Objective:

The effects of spinal anaesthesia on the results of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL) was evaluated.

Methods:

From June 2010 to March 2011, 42 patients [Group 1 (spinal anaesthesia, n=21), Group 2 (general anaesthesia, n=21)], treated with standard percutaneous nephrolithotripsy due to renal stones, were enrolled in this study. The groups were compared in terms of operation duration, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, hemoglobin drop, success rate, complications and auxilliary procedures.

Results:

There was no difference between the two groups in terms of operation duration, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, hemoglobin drop, success rate, complications and auxilliary procedures. However, postdural puncture headache was observed in 3 (14.2%) patients, and 2 of them were re-hospitalized due to severe headache. The patients were treated with an epidural blood patch.

Conclusion:

Spinal anesthesia may not cause negative effects on the results of standard PNL, and it may be a good alternative to general anesthesia in selected patients. However, it can cause severe postdural puncture headache which require re-admisson for treatment in some patients.