Single centre review of radiologically-guided percutaneous nephrostomies: a report of 273 procedures.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the technical success and complications associated with radiologically-guided percutaneous nephrostomies (PCNs) in a single centre.


METHODS
A total of 273 PCNs performed in 190 patients in our hospital over a 3-year period from January 1997 to December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population consisted of 97 males and 93 females, ranging in age from 13 to 91 years. The main indications were urinary obstruction (77.7%), pyonephrosis (18.3%) and urinary diversion (4%). Demographic variables, technical and risk factors related to the procedure, complications, effect on urine cultures and body temperature; and subsequent patient management were examined.


RESULTS
The technical success rate was 99%. The 30-day mortality was 7.2%, none of which were procedure related. Haemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 4.3% while septicaemia affected 3.2% of patients. Drainage catheter complications included catheter dislodgement and blockage which were 11.9% and 4.1%, respectively. Thirty-one per cent of PCNs subsequently underwent ureteric stenting as the definitive treatment modality.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiologically-guided PCN is a safe procedure with a high technical success rate.
Sim
L S J
LS
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
Tan
B S
BS
Yip
S K H
SK
Ng
C K
CK
Lo
R H G
RH
Yeong
K Y
KY
Htoo
M M
MM
Cheng
C W S
CW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012846:Singapore; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*