[Percutaneous pyelostomy: technic and indications].

The authors evaluated the results of 24 percutaneous nephrostomies. Pelvic neoplasms involving ureters were the most frequent indications to the procedure (71% of the cases). In all patients the placement of a catheter was possible. The authors describe the techniques performed and evaluate their advantages and limits. The problems related to the use of nephrostomy in patients with widespread neoplasms and severely ill are discussed. The most frequent drawback was catheter dislodgement (25% of the cases). No serious complications occur. Percutaneous nephrostomy is a temporary or permanent form of urinary diversion in obstructive nephropathies, alternative to surgical nephrostomy.