POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN LAPAROSCOPIC VS OPEN PYELOLITHOTOMY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Large renal pelvic stones are a common urological condition that can lead to pain, infection, and impaired kidney function. Surgical intervention is often required for effective management. Open pyelolithotomy has traditionally been used for the removal of large stones; however, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. The laparoscopic approach is associated with reduced postoperative pain, less blood loss, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients diagnosed with large renal pelvic stones. A total of 126 patients were included and divided into two groups: those undergoing laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and those undergoing open pyelolithotomy. Postoperative outcomes such as pain, fever, infection, hematoma formation, urosepsis, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the two surgical approaches. Results: The results demonstrated that patients who underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy experienced significantly less postoperative pain and fewer complications compared to those who underwent open pyelolithotomy. Blood loss and hospital stay were also notably lower in the laparoscopic group. In contrast, the open surgery group showed higher rates of postoperative pain, complications, and longer recovery periods. Conclusion: The study concludes that laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is a safer and more effective surgical technique for the management of large renal pelvic stones when compared to open pyelolithotomy. It is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and improved patient recovery. Where surgical expertise and facilities are available, laparoscopic pyelolithotomy should be considered the preferred treatment option.