Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for removal of a calcified intra-renal artillery shell fragment

Residual metallic fragments after intra-abdominal penetrating injuries due to fragments of artillery shells are generally inert, although they may rarely re-activate. The authors present a case where such a fragment presented as a renal stone 17 years after injury. The literature was reviewed and the initial difficulties with the radiological diagnosis, as well as treatment approaches and post-operative findings are discussed in the light of existing reports. An additional challenge arose as the authors working in a tertiary endourology centre attempted to remain as minimally invasive as possible, but were limited by the very nature of the foreign body.