[Colonic perforations during interventional urinary radiology]

Three patients had colonic perforation as a result of percutaneous nephrostomy and lithotripsy. These patients did not respond to conservative measures and required surgery (colostomy, hemicolectomy, drainage). This report reviews the anatomic and technical aspects of percutaneous access to the kidney. Fluoroscopy and ultrasonography do not allow simple and accurate information of the position of the colon, and CT is the method of choice. Some factors seem of high risk : thin and young patient, female, dilated pelvo-calyceal system, associated colonic obstruction.