Abstract
In order to check how the learning curve of the method influenced complications in percutaneous surgery, we analysed two distinct periods of time during which the same operator accomplished 166 and 61 percutaneous procedures. We evaluated the results, stressing minor and major complications as well as final outcomes. Improvements in surgical technique were proved by a reduction in both operating time and hospital charge, and by better endopyelotomy results. Failure to improve PCNL results is due to the increased presence of staghom calculi in the second period (43.3% vs 32.7%).
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