Use of percutaneous nephrostomy in malignant ureteric obstruction

Seventeen patients with malignant disease underwent percutaneous nephrostomy to relieve renal failure secondary to ureteric obstruction. Renal function improved in 88%. The median survival time was 18 weeks and 58% left the primary hospital to return home or to a terminal care hospice. Minor complications occurred in 58%. The use of bilateral nephrostomy tubes conferred no greater benefit than a unilateral tube. Intervention in malignant ureteric obstruction may confer some benefit and should not necessarily be viewed with pessimism.