Prospective randomized study of various techniques of percutaneous nephrolithotomy

This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn. The standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCN) approach and the mini-PCN technique were similar in terms of decreased morbidity and the overall costs. However, the mini-PCN had the disadvantage of poorer visualisation and optics, and the difficult use of nephroscopic graspers. The tubeless PCN led to reduced costs and shorter hospitalisation and morphine use than the other techniques, and was thus the most cost-efficient approach for renal access.