[Complications following transcutaneous operations on the kidney].

Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed in 249 patients in regard to different indications since 1979. The following complications were found: technical difficulties 5/249/2%, bleeding 3/249/1% and pyelonephritis 25/229/11%. 124 patients with percutaneous nephrostomy are compared to 125 patients with nephrostomy followed by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy regarding the septic complication. No difference could be pointed out.