Management strategies for staghorn stones

Abstract

Staghorn stones represent most advanced renal stone disease and, if not treated adequately, will result in loss of the kidney. PCNL is usually the treatment of choice, but the surgical technique has to be adapted to the individual situation. It provides stone clearance rates equal to those obtained with open surgery, but at significant lower overall morbidity. Nevertheless, it is challenging and requires significant expertise and frequently staged procedures. Even with complete stone removal, the risk of recurrent stone formation is inherently high. Eliminating underlying reasons for stone formation, close long-term follow-up and aggressive treatment of recurrent stones are therefore essential for successful management. The following chapter provides a detailed review of the current management strategies for staghorn stones.