Background: The aim of this study was to provide a randomized controlled trial comparing single B-mode ultrasound guidance and color doppler ultrasound guidance in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Methods: Three hundred patients with renal calculus were prospectively randomly assigned into 2 groups. In group 1 (150 patients), minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) were managed with single B-mode ultrasound guidance; In group 2 (150 patients), m-PCNL were managed with color Doppler ultrasound guidance and a needle bracket in order to guide placement at a target location beneath the skin. The characteristics of patients, operation, complications and prognosis, including body temperature, urine culture, and hematologic tests after the operation were recorded and compared.

Results: Our vessel-sparing technique showed a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin drop, postoperative procalcitonin values, the frequency of postoperative fever, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and urosepsis (P < .05).

Conclusion: Using color Doppler ultrasound in real time and a needle bracket to detect and avoid main renal blood vessels decreased incidences of hemorrhagic complications and postoperative infection.