Introduction: Matrix lithiasis has been relatively rarely described. Our goal was to establish the value of percutaneous approach in this pathology.
Material and methods: Between July 1995 and January 2008 in Department of Urology of "Saint John" Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, 11 patients with pyelocaliceal matrix lithiasis (seven females and four males) were treated by percutaneous approach. The mean age was 55 years old (between 41 and 83 years old). The rigid nephroscope was exclusively used in seven cases. The approach of caliceal fragments imposed the flexible nephroscopic approach in the other four cases. The mean follow-up period was 48 months (range two to 86).
Results: 10/11 patients (90,9%) were stone-free at the end of procedures. In the other case, the spontaneous passage of the remaining matrix lithiasis fragments was encountered. No major complications were recorded. Recurrences occurred in two cases (18.2%), despite the long-term antibiotic therapy.
Conclusions: Percutaneous approach may represent an effective and safe therapy of matrix lithiasis. The management of this pathology must associate the preoperative treatment and postoperative prophylaxis of the urinary tract infections.