Percutaneous nephrostomy: current indications and potential uses in obstetrics and gynecology. Literature review and report of a case.

Percutaneous nephrostomy offers a rapid and relatively safe means of short- or long-term management of urinary obstruction, irrespective of the underlying cause. It is particularly useful in patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia or surgery because of potential major risks. At present, the most common indication for percutaneous nephrostomy in OB/GYN is probably urinary tract obstruction secondary to pelvic malignancy. It is not indicated in terminal patients, but can be used to temporize renal function to allow palliative therapy and to assess the residual functional capacity of the obstructed kidney. Percutaneous nephrostomy will most likely be used even more frequently in the future as current roles are expanded particularly in areas such as perinatology.