Pseudo-ureter: a complication of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy

In 3 previously healthy patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy complicated by perforation of the medial wall of the renal pelvis, a false channel or "pseudo-ureter" formed around the ureteric stent catheter, starting from the renal pelvis and re-entering the upper ureter. Recognition occurred 2 to 3 days after lithotripsy during nephrostography and the complication was treated by re-positioning the stent into the true ureteric lumen. All patients are well 7 to 10 months after lithotripsy and there have been no long-term complications.