Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: evaluation of minimal invasive exit strategies after percutaneous stone treatment

Purpose of review To provide an updated overview of different exit strategies for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in times of miniaturization and minimal invasive surgery. Recent findings The majority of the reported studies concluded that a tubeless procedure is associated with less patient discomfort and a shorter hospital stay compared to the standard PCNL. Additionally, no significant difference in the complication rate was observed, including postoperative fever, hematocrit decrease, stone-free rate, and urine extravasation. Summary Underlined by recent literature tubeless PCNL is a well tolerated and effective treatment. Nevertheless the decision whether or not to place a nephrostomy tube after PCNL is still depending on the clinical judgment and experience of the surgeon.