Table 2.

Comparison of standard, mini, ultra-mini and micro PCNL techniques.

PCNL technique	Indication	Stone free rate	Blood transfusion	Limitations	Fragmentation device
Standard PCNL (24–30F)	Large stones – any size (staghorn stones)	High SFR (depending on stone complexity)	3–6%	Increased risk with multiple tracts	Pneumatic or ultrasound or laser
Mini PCNL (14–20F)	Large stones	High SFR (depending on stone complexity)	1–2%	Longer operative time for larger stones (compared with standard PCNL)	Pneumatic or Ultrasound or Laser
Ultra-mini (UMP) PCNL (11–13F)	Stones up to 2 cm	85–92%	Transfusion – not reported	Able to remove small fragments only	Laser
Micro PCNL (4.8F)	Stones up to 1.5 cm	85–90%	Transfusion – not reported	Unable to remove fragments	Laser

PCNL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy; SFR, stone free rates.