Permanent nephrostomy via percutaneous puncture.

A technique to convert a standard temporary percutaneous nephrostomy to prolonged or permanent nephrostomy diversion with Foley catheters up to 16F in diameter is described herein. The method has been used for up to 22 months of drainage and is likely to be of principal benefit in the management of obstructive nephropathy in adults when the primary lesion is not readily amenable to repair. There have been no serious complications in our 4 cases.