[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy through the upper pole calix access for complicated renal calculi: report of 581 cases].

Objective: To discuss the optimal approach of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treatment of complicated renal calculi.

Methods: A total of 581 patients with complicated renal calculus were treated by PCNL through the upper pole calix access. Of the 581 patients, 55 had multiple upper pole calculi, 136 had staghorn stones, 145 had partial staghorn stones, and 245 had multiple renal calculi.