Almost totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: further evolution of the technique.

Background And Objectives: There is renewed interest in the concept of foregoing placement of the postoperative nephrostomy tube (PNT) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with the intent of reducing postoperative discomfort and hospital stay. We have omitted the PNT and placed an internal ureteral stent or externalized ureteral catheter after PCNL in selected patients. We reviewed our experience in order to assess the efficacy and safety of this practice.