Comparison of the safety and efficacy of one-shot and telescopic metal dilatation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Minimizing X-ray exposure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is challenging. Using the single semirigid dilator, also called "one-shot" or "one-stage" is a good alternative to routine telescopic metal dilators to reduce X-ray exposure. Our aim was to compare the single semirigid one-shot dilator with a telescopic metal dilator in PCNL. The intraoperative status was evaluated in 100 consecutive patients randomly assigned to two equal groups undergoing PCNL either with the one-shot (group A) or telescopic technique (group B). No significant difference in stone burden and location existed between the groups (P > 0.05). The mean age of group A and group B was 44.8 ± 15 and 45.6 ± 14 years, respectively (P = 0.78). The mean operation time was 51.14 ± 40.85 min in group A and 57.00 ± 38.85 min in group B (P = 0.46). The mean X-ray exposure time was 41.2 ± 17 and 48.4 ± 15 s in group A and group B, respectively (P = 0.03). The stone-free rate was 94 % (n = 47) in group A and 84 % (n = 42) in group B (P = 0.10). The mean hemoglobin drop was 1.26 ± 0.09 and 1.44 ± 0.11 g/dl in group A and group B, respectively (P = 0.09). The one-shot technique is feasible, safe, and well tolerated in patients undergoing PCNL. In addition to lack of complications, the method also provides less radiation exposure for urologists and nursing teams.