[Complications of percutaneous litholapaxy].

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has been proved an efficient management of renal calculi. We report, in present review, the complications of PCNL procedure referred by several authors and our casistic since 1985. Major complications occurred in 3-6% of treated patients: severe bleeding, arteriovenosal fistulas, haematoma perirenal, water syndrome, sepsis, DIC, etc.). Nephrectomy was necessary in less than 1% of reported cases. 5 patients died for complications related to PCNL. Early complications occurred during the percutaneous puncture, tract dilation and lithotripsy. Postoperatively bleeding at the time of nephrostomic tube removal was reported in 0.5-1% of cases. Late sequelae of PCNL: stricture, fistulas, renal damage, renal function loss, high lithiasis recurrence rate were reported rarely. We, herein, believe PCNL is a safe and effective procedure with minimal rate of complications and late effects, according to other important authors.