Percutaneous nephrostomy for emergency treatment of obstructive uropathy. Observations on 73 cases

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in Urology Departments of developing countries with limited resources. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 1999 and July 2006 based on 73 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy as an emergency treatment of obstructive uropathy. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia through a posterolateral approach on the upper border of the 12th rib using a cystostomy or nephrostomy set. Results: Percutaneous nephrostomy was successfully done in 94.5 % of cases. There were two failures and two complications. Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrostomy is a simple and effective therapeutic procedure for the emergency treatment of urinary tract obstruction of various etiologies. It is an important step in training for renal endoscopic surgery in developing countries. However, hemorrhagic and infectious complications remain serious risks that should be taken into consideration.

African Journal of Urology Vol. 12 (4) 2006: pp. 245-247