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Complications of ultrasound-guided nephrostomy. A 5-year experience

P von der Recke1, M B Nielsen, J F Pedersen

  • 1Department of Radiology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Insights

Ultrasound-guided nephrostomy is a safe and effective procedure with a 92% success rate. While complications are rare (6.7%), careful patient selection is crucial to weigh risks against benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Radiology
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

  • Nephrostomy is a common procedure for urinary tract drainage.
  • Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce procedural risks and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided nephrostomy.
  • To assess the complication rates associated with this technique.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 285 ultrasound-guided nephrostomy procedures in 159 patients.
  • Procedures performed using a 2.3 mm one-step trochar catheter without internal fixation.
  • Complications were systematically registered.

Main Results:

  • Overall success rate of 92%.
  • Catheter indwelling time ranged from 1 to 150 days (median 17 days).
  • Complication rate was 6.7%, including unintentional catheter dislodgement, prolonged hematuria, sepsis, perirenal bleeding, urinary leakage, and skin infection. One patient required nephrectomy due to severe hematuria.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasound-guided nephrostomy is a gentle procedure with a low rate of major complications.
  • The benefits of the procedure should be carefully weighed against potential risks for each patient.

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