Abstract:Abstract: Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of externalized ureteral catheter (EUC) and double-J stent (DJS) in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for patients with upper urinary stones. Methods The clinical data of 105 patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy is implemented by the author from January 2016 to February 2018 were selected. EUC group (30 cases) and DJS group (30 cases) were selected by a propensity score matching analysis method. And the safety and efficacy of EUC group and DJS group were compared with each other. The difference of operation times, hospitalization times, stone free rate (SFR) on the first day, SFR at the third month after operation, stent-related symptoms, pain score (VAS), analgesic required and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results No significant differences were found in hospitalization times, SFR on the first day, SFR at the third month after operation, pain score (VAS), analgesic required and postoperative complications. Significantly shorter operation times was needed by EUC group than the DJS group. And the stent-related symptoms were higher for DJS compared with EUC. Conclusion EUC in tubeless PCNL is also an effective alternative for patients with upper urinary stones. Compared with DJS, it did not increase the risk of postoperative complications. On the contrary, it could reduce the operation times and stent-related discomfort. And it could avoid cystoscopy for DJS removal. It could improve the patient's experience of medical treatment, reduce the costs. Those are likely to translate into clinical significance.