Multimodal-Guided PCNL Most Effective for Stones in Ectopic Pelvic Kidneys, suggests study

Dr. Shravani Dali

Multimodal-Guided PCNL Most Effective for Stones in Ectopic Pelvic Kidneys, suggests study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-03-11T20:30:32+05:30 | Updated On 11 March 2026 8:30 PM IST

In a new study, findings indicate that multimodal-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) achieved the highest stone-free success rates and required fewer ancillary procedures when treating stones in ectopic pelvic kidneys. In comparison, flexible ureterorenoscopy demonstrated lower efficacy and a greater need for additional interventions. Overall complication rates were low and comparable to those in anatomically normal kidneys. While larger patient cohorts would help strengthen these conclusions, the rarity of ectopic pelvic kidneys inherently limits the accumulation of large study populations.

A study was done to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of current surgical modalities for nephrolithiasis in ectopic pelvic kidneys, a rare congenital anomaly with limited available evidence. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted across 11 high-volume international centers, including 45 patients with congenital pelvic kidneys who underwent flexible ureteroscopy, multimodal-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. Stone-free rate (defined as 0 mm), need for ancillary procedures, and complications (Clavien–Dindo) were assessed.

Results: Stones were classified as GUYS II in 51.1% of patients and GUYS III–IV in 48.9%. flexible ureteroscopy was the most common primary treatment (51.1%), followed by multimodal guided - PCNL (33.3%). Multimodal-guided PCNL achieved the highest stone free rate (86.7%) and the lowest requirement for ancillary procedures (OR 9.7; 95% CI 1.8–51 compared with other modalities). The overall final stone free rate for the cohort was 65.9% after a mean of 1.38 procedures per patient. Complications occurred in 13.3% of cases, with only one major event (Clavien-Dindo IVa).

The findings indicate that multimodal-guided PCNL achieved the highest success rates and required fewer ancillary procedures than other approaches when treating stones in ectopic pelvic kidneys. In contrast, flexible ureterorenoscopy showed lower efficacy and required more ancillary interventions. Complication rates were low and comparable to those observed in anatomically normal kidneys. Although larger cohorts would strengthen these observations, the very low incidence of ectopic pelvic kidneys inherently limits the ability to accumulate large patient numbers.

Reference:

Guerrero, D.M.M., Gökce, M.I., Chew, B.H. et al. Management of nephrolithiasis in pelvic kidneys: comparative outcomes of contemporary surgical modalities from 11 high-volume centers. World J Urol 44, 201 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-026-06297-1

Keywords:

Multimodal-Guided, PCNL, Most Effective, Stones, Ectopic, Pelvic Kidneys, Guerrero, D.M.M., Gökce, M.I., Chew, B.H, Nephrolithiasis, Pelvic Kidney, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), Flexible Ureteroscopy, Laparoscopic Surgery, Renal Stones

Multimodal-GuidedPCNLMost EffectiveStonesEctopicPelvic KidneysWorld Journal of Urology

Source : World Journal of Urology

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.