nefrolitotómia

Nefrolitotomia is a surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones, also known as renal calculi. It involves making an incision in the back, through the skin and muscle, to reach the kidney and extract the stones. This technique is typically employed when kidney stones are too large or located in a position that makes less invasive methods, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy, ineffective or impossible.

The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. After the incision is made, a surgical scope is inserted into the kidney. Once the stones are located, they are either removed whole or broken into smaller pieces using specialized instruments. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the size and number of stones. Post-operative care usually involves pain management and monitoring for complications.

While effective for large or complex kidney stones, nefrolitotomia is an open surgical procedure and carries inherent risks, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs. The recovery period is generally longer compared to minimally invasive techniques. The decision to proceed with nefrolitotomia is made after a thorough evaluation of the patient's specific condition, stone characteristics, and overall health. Advances in endourological techniques have led to a decrease in the frequency of open nefrolitotomia, with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) becoming a more common alternative for stone removal through a small incision.