[Percutaneous nephrostomy complications in obstructive renal failure].

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to identify the complications recorded at the patients with obstructive renal failure treated with percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The retrospective study investigated the data of 244 patients admitted in our department and treated with percutaneous nephrostomy for obstructive renal failure during January 2005 - December 2007. Demographical data, investigation, indication, complications and hospital stay were recorded.

RESULTS

Median preoperative/discharge haematological values were hematocrit 27.4% comparing to 25.8% and haemoglobin 9.9g% comparing to 9.3g%. An anaemic syndrome was noted at admission time in 161 (65.9%) patients and at discharge time 202 (82.8%). 126 (51.6%) patients were treated with blood transfusion with an average dose of 2.47 red blood cell units per patient. In 25 (10.1%) patients the nefrostomy tube was clamped in order to control the postoperative bleeding. The median hospitalization time was 8.7 days with a median ICU stay of 3.3 days. The recorded mortality was 3.2% (8 patients) with an average time of 5.8 days between the operatory time and exitus time.

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequent causes of obstructive renal failure necessiting percutaneous nephrostomy are malignancies. Preoperative anaemic syndrome is aggravated in the postoperative period and frequently need red blood cell administration. In experienced hands, PCN catheter placement is safe and usually successful.