[Personal experience with the use of percutaneous nephrostomy in children]

Over a 3-year period 52 percutaneous nephrostomies (PCN) were performed in 37 children. The youngest patient was 2 months old, the oldest was 16 years. The primary indication was the obstruction of the upper urinary tract; infection in 25 patients and renal failure in 14 patients were evident. By posterolateral approach a sonographically guided antegrade pyelography was first performed with Chiba 22-gauge needle. Under fluoroscopic control a lower polar calix was punctured with 18 G sheathed needle; a guide wire was introduced through the sheet. After dilatation of the tract a pigtail catheter (7-8 French) was placed into the renal pelvis. Catheter placement was performed with local anaesthesia (2% Cystocain). Complications were uncommon. Surgery was needed in all patients for permanent solution of obstruction. PCN is the method of choice for temporary relief of obstruction of the upper urinary tract in children when immediate surgery is hazardous.