The use of percutaneous nephrostomy and urinary alkalinization in the dissolution of obstructing uric acid stones.

Two patients are described who presented with complete urinary obstruction secondary to nonopaque uric acid stones. They were treated with percutaneous nephrostomy for urinary diversion and urinary alkalinization by local irrigation and oral sodium bicarbonate therapy with complete dissolution of the stone after 16 and 21 days of therapy. Percutaneous nephrostomy with urinary alkalinization is a reasonable, relatively safe alternative to surgical stone removal for patients with obstructing uric acid stones.