A novel less-traumatic needle for kidney puncture: first clinical experience

Introduction To decrease complication rate, we developed a novel MG needle for kidney puncture consisting of a pointed cannula, an atraumatic mandrin-bulb and a spring mechanism pushing the mandrin-bulb forward. Aim of the study To assess efficacy and safety of kidney puncture during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using a novel less-traumatic MG needle within a clinical trial. Materials and methods We conducted a prospective randomized single-center study. In the experimental group, kidney puncture was performed with a novel MG needle while in the control group, standard Trocar or Chiba puncture needles were used. Primary endpoint: hemoglobin drop. Results A total of 67 patients were enrolled. Patients who underwent standard puncture ( n = 33) had higher hemoglobin drop in the early postoperative period ( p = 0.024). Although there was no statistical difference in overall complication rate between the two groups ( p = 0.351), two severe Clavien-Dindo IIIa complications with urinoma occurred in patients from the control group. Conclusion Less-traumatic needle for kidney puncture may reduce hemoglobin drop and prevent the development of severe complications. At the same time, in terms of stone-free rate (SFR), the efficacy of PCNL remains the same regardless of the needle used for renal access.