Radiology, Vol 152, 383-385, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Late sequelae of percutaneous nephrostomy. Work in progress
W Hruby and M Marberger
Renal scans of 36 patients were obtained with and without the use of
contrast material, and a dynamic CT study was performed at least three
years after percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) to evaluate the late effects of
that procedure on kidney morphology and function. Only one kidney showed a
cortical scar (1 X 1 X 1 cm in size) at the puncture site, and there were
no signs of a loss of renal function or of alterations of the collecting
system. Eight kidneys demonstrated slight capsular fibrosis at the puncture
site, three were displaced posteriorly, and ten had some slight perirenal
scarring around the lower pole. Overall, the morphological alterations were
minimal and considerably less than those associated with open surgery.
Coupled with the minimal complication rate associated with the initial PNS
procedure, these findings indicate that PNS may be considered safe.
