SonixGPS is a novel real-time ultrasonography navigation technology, which has been demonstrated to promote accuracy of
puncture in surgical operations. The aim of this study is to evaluate its application in guiding the
puncture during
percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We retrospectively reviewed our experience in treating a total of 74 patients with complex
kidney stones with PCNL, in which
puncture in 37 cases were guided by SonixGPS system, while the other 37 by conventional ultrasound. The effectiveness of operation was evaluated in terms of stone clearance rate, operation time, time to successful
puncture, number of attempts for successful
puncture and
hospital stay. The safety of operation was examined by evaluating postoperative complications. Our retrospective review showed that although there were no significant differences in stone clearance rates between the groups, SonixGPS guidance resulted in more
puncture accuracy with shorter
puncture time and higher successful
puncture rate. Under the help of SonixGPS, most patients (92 %) had no or just mild complications, compared to that (73 %) in conventional ultrasound group. Post-operative decrease of
hemoglobin in SonixGPS group was 13.79 (7-33) mg/dl, significantly lower than that 20.97 (8-41) mg/dl in conventional ultrasound group. Our experience demonstrates that SonixGPS is superior to conventional ultrasound in guiding the
puncture in PCNL for the treatment of complex
kidney stone.