Percutaneous intervention in the solitary kidney

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Interventional Radiology
• Urology

Background:

• Solitary kidneys, resulting from nephrectomy or congenital conditions, are vulnerable to infection, stones, obstruction, and trauma.
• Damage to remaining nephron units in solitary kidneys necessitates cautious management.
• Percutaneous techniques are often avoided in solitary kidneys due to concerns of further renal compromise, favoring surgical alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interventional radiologic techniques in preserving renal function in patients with a solitary kidney.
• To explore the use of percutaneous procedures as a primary or temporizing therapy for solitary kidney complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 cases involving solitary kidneys requiring intervention.
• Application of percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteral stenting, ureteral dilatation, and stone extraction.
• Focus on preservation of remaining renal function.

Main Results:

• Interventional radiologic techniques successfully achieved the goals of preserving renal function in all 15 cases.
• Procedures served as either permanent solutions or effective temporizing measures before definitive treatment.
• No complications were reported during or after the interventional procedures.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous interventional radiology is a safe and effective approach for managing complications in solitary kidneys.
• These techniques offer a valuable alternative to surgery, crucial for maintaining renal function in compromised solitary kidneys.