Summary
- A study compared two positions, lateral decubitus and prone, for kidney stone removal surgery.
- Both positions showed similar effectiveness in removing kidney stones.
- The lateral decubitus position had less blood loss and a lower risk of complications.
- There was no significant difference in surgery duration or hospital stay between the two positions.
- The choice of position should be individualized based on patient needs and surgeon preference.
Kidney stones can be a painful condition requiring surgical removal. There are two common positions for surgery: the “lateral decubitus position,” where the patient lies on their side, and the “prone position,” where the patient lies on their stomach. A recent analysis compared these positions to determine which might offer better outcomes for patients undergoing a common kidney stone removal surgery called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Stone-Free Rate: How Effective Was the Surgery?
Seven studies included in the analysis looked at the success rate of removing stones completely, known as the “stone-free rate.” The results showed that the lateral decubitus position had a slightly higher success rate (88.34%) compared to the prone position (82.92%). However, the difference was not statistically significant, suggesting that both positions were similarly effective in removing stones.
Surgery Time and Hospital Stay
The time taken to perform the surgery and the duration of the hospital stay were also analyzed. The studies found no significant difference in the time required to complete the surgery between the two positions. Similarly, the length of the hospital stay after surgery was comparable for both groups, indicating that either position is equally efficient regarding time management.
Blood Loss During Surgery
When it comes to blood loss during surgery, the lateral decubitus position had a clear advantage. Patients in this position experienced less blood loss compared to those in the prone position. This finding could make the lateral decubitus position a preferable choice for some patients, especially those concerned about minimizing blood loss during surgery.
Complications After Surgery
The analysis also examined the rates of complications, such as infections or injuries to surrounding organs. The results showed that patients in the lateral decubitus position had a lower risk of complications compared to those in the prone position. This finding suggests that the lateral decubitus position might be safer for patients, reducing the likelihood of post-surgery issues.
Conclusion: Is One Position Better Than the Other?
The overall findings indicate that while both positions are effective for kidney stone removal, the lateral decubitus position might offer some benefits, such as lower blood loss and fewer complications. However, the choice of position should still be based on individual patient needs and the surgeon’s expertise.
Urology