[Intra- and postoperative complications in interventions of the kidney, kidney calices and upper ureter]

Open routine operations on the kidney and the renal calyces have diminished in favour of endourological methods. Renal and renal pelvis calculi as well as ureteral calculi are rarely approached through open operation. Selective indications for operation depend on special situations and anatomy, since complications such as injury to large abdominal wall nerves, the peritoneum or the pleura present no problem for the skilled surgeon. The control of a sudden and serious hemorrhage coming from the renal hilus or the vena cava surely is an important complication, which should not be underestimated, and stopping such hemorrhages requires knowledge of the peritoneal stepwise method of stopping a hemorrhage. Secondary and multiple operations on the kidney need a clear tactical treatment concept. This is presented in a four-phase-concept. To avoid or control intra- and postoperative complications when operacting on the renal calyces or the upper ureter it is still important to respect the old rules of temporary diversion of urine and to know reconstructive methods of the urinary tract.