Objective To review the safety and efficacy of upper-pole access percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods From May 2008 to May 2010,237 cases ( 135 males and 102 females with mean age of 42 yrs) of renal or proximal ureteral calculi treated with upper-pole access PCNL were reviewed.The indications included calculus larger than 1.5 cm or impacted proximal ureteral calculi in 94 cases,calculus≥2 cm or impacted renal pelvic calculi in 26 cases,staghorn or multiple calculi in 68 cases,complex lower calyx calculi in 13 cases,upper calyx calculi not amenable to ESWL or URS in 12 cases,calculi within upper calyx diverticulum in 3 cases,combined UPJ obstruction or upper ureteral stenosis in 8 cases,morbidly obese patients in 3 cases,calculi within horseshoe kidneys in 6 cases,calculi within transplanted kidneys or ureters in 4 cases.Of the 237 cases,175 tracts (73.8％) were above the 12th rib,46were above the 11th rib,12 were below the 12th rib,4 were in the lower abdomen for renal transplant patients. Results The overall stone clearance rate with upper-pole access PCNL monotherapy was 74.3％.Additional punctures were required in 55 cases and combined ESWL in 6 cases.Total stone clearance rate at 3 months after operation was 88.2％.16 patients (6.8％) had a pleural injury.Thoracentesis was required in 8 patients,closed thoracic drainage in 5 patients,conservative treatment in 3 patients.After nephrostomy tube removed,pleural irritation symptom appeared in 12 cases (5.1％) who required symptomatic treatment.No patient had injury to the lung or other viscera.Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion was olserved in 5 patients,while selective renal arterial embolization was required in 2 cases. Conclusions Upper-pole access offers optimal visibility,convenience for the movement of rigid nephroscope and high stone-free rate.It should be attempted in selected cages of upper ureteral calculi and complex renal calculi.