Complications attributable to the formation of the track in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Reported complication rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy vary considerably. In our own experience of 110 percutaneous nephrolithotomies performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, the complication rate for the entire procedure was 3.6%, and for the formation of the nephrostomy track 0.9%. This compares favourably with the reports from the major centres. Radiation dose to the operator was monitored and our results confirm that with meticulous attention to technique, dosages may be kept very low. We conclude that prior training in interventional techniques is a major factor in reducing both the morbidity associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy and the radiation dose to the operator.