Late sequelae of percutaneous nephrostomy. Work in progress.

Renal scans of 36 patients were obtained with and without the use of contrast material, and a dynamic CT study was performed at least three years after percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) to evaluate the late effects of that procedure on kidney morphology and function. Only one kidney showed a cortical scar (1 X 1 X 1 cm in size) at the puncture site, and there were no signs of a loss of renal function or of alterations of the collecting system. Eight kidneys demonstrated slight capsular fibrosis at the puncture site, three were displaced posteriorly, and ten had some slight perirenal scarring around the lower pole. Overall, the morphological alterations were minimal and considerably less than those associated with open surgery. Coupled with the minimal complication rate associated with the initial PNS procedure, these findings indicate that PNS may be considered safe.