Diagnosis and management of complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The therapeutic management of the complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) depends on the early recognition of these complications. A review of 720 cases revealed the incidence of significant complications to be less than 4%. An algorithm was developed as a guideline for the diagnosis and management of complications of PNL. Early complications included transient bleeding (83 cases), extravasation of urine (52 cases), significant infection (11 cases [2 with septicemia and shock]), and migration of stone fragments into the retroperitoneum (7 cases). Nonrenal complications were present in less than 6% of these patients. These included pleural effusions or pneumothorax (24 cases) and lung atelectasis (19 cases). Late complications were seen in less than 2% of the patients. These included stricture of the ureter with obstruction (5 cases), A-V fistula with or without pseudoaneurysm (7 cases), and subcapsular hematoma (1 case). Therapeutic management included improvement of technique to the use of antibiotics to treat infection. The use of proper drainage and the placement of stent or catheter in the treatment and prevention of further complications has become an integral part of the algorithm for the treatment of complications of PNL. This algorithm recommends the proper diagnostic modality for the detection and evaluation of the extent of the complication. Once detected, the complications of PNL can be minimized with limited permanent changes.