Postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding: aetiology and management

Postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) bleeding is the most dreaded complication following PCNL. In this article, we refer to risk factors contributing to post-PCNL bleeding and the criteria to decide the line of management in such cases. We further discuss the treatment algorithm for the management of the complication.

A perfect puncture is a 'key' to avoid post-PNL bleeding. Superselective angioembolization (SAE) is an efficacious and well tolerated method of controlling post-PCNL bleeding, and the success rate of SAE is found to be greater than 80%. Pseudoaneurysm is the commonest finding of SAE, which is responsible for post-PCNL bleeding. A recent study suggested that multiple percutaneous accesses, more than two bleeding sites identified during renal angiography, and the use of gelatine sponge alone as the embolic material were high-risk factors for the failure of SAE. A significant number of patients experience postinfarction syndrome in varying degree of severity after SAE.

Post-PCNL bleeding is a life-threatening complication. Most of the post-PCNL bleeds subside with conservative management, and SAE is an effective means of controlling post-PCNL bleeding. A skilled interventionist can achieve successful control of bleeding with a variety of agents available. Multiple punctures and evidence of more than two lesions predict high risk of failure of SAE.