Renal-stone dissolution via percutaneous nephrostomy.

Recurrent renal stones associated with urinary infection were treated in eight kidneys in six patients by percutaneous nephrostomy and irrigation with hemiacidrin, a commercially available solution of organic acids and magnesium. The stones, presumably composed of triple phosphates (magnesium, ammonium and calcium phosphate), were completely dissolved in six kidneys; in two they were partially dissolved and subsequently recovered by other methods. No serious complications were encountered. The technic requires special precautions against perinephric and intravascular dissemination of infection, but it offers potentially effective therapy for certain kidney stones without the use of general anesthesia or operation.