Easy Method for Percutaneous Nephrostomy Placement with Transrectal Ultrasonography Probe

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) is a critical intervention for obstructive uropathy and pyonephrosis.
• The complexity and required experience often lead urologists and radiologists to avoid PN.
• This avoidance can create challenges when the procedure is medically necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified percutaneous nephrostomy insertion technique using transrectal ultrasonography.
• To evaluate the ease of procedure, success rates, and complication rates associated with this novel technique.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of performing PN without radiologist assistance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 146 PN procedures performed between January 2013 and December 2018.
• Procedures utilized a transrectal ultrasonography probe for guidance.
• All interventions were conducted under local anesthesia by urologists.

Main Results:

• The study included 84 patients (55 male, 29 female).
• Successful nephrostomy catheter insertion was achieved in all patients, regardless of hydronephrosis severity.
• Indications included malignancy-related obstruction (52 patients) and other causes (32 patients).

Conclusions:

• The transrectal ultrasonography-guided PN technique simplifies the procedure.
• This method is associated with low complication rates.
• The technique offers a viable and accessible option for percutaneous nephrostomy.