Management of complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy with ballistic lithotripsy. A report of 82 consecutive PCNL

In this paper, authors assessed the complication rate of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) through a consecutive series of 82 PCNL performed on 80 patients with renal calculi (48 men and 32 women). Patients' mean age was 42 years. Stones were located in the pelvis or lower calyx in 75% of cases with a diameter exceeding 20 mm in 56%. 11 Patients had intraoperative problems : one ureteral false passage, one renal perforation by a ureteral stent, three cases of hemorrage, three cases of punctate perforations of excretory cavities. In one case, nephrostomy tube fell and could not be replaced. 6 patients had post operative complications : three patients had postoperative fever, one patient developed acute pyelonephritis and two patients had transient urinary leakage after nephrostomy tube removal. After reviewing the literature, authors conclude to the low complication rate of PCNL.