A REVIEW OF RADIOLOGICALLY GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROSTOMIES IN 303 PATIENTS

PURPOSE: To determine the morbidity and mortality associated with radi ologically guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and to identify possi ble contributory risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retr ospectively reviewed 454 consecutive PCNs in 303 patients performed du ring a 4-year period, PCNs performed specifically for nephrolithotomy were excluded, Self-retention loop catheters (8-12 F) were placed with use of a modified Seldinger technique in all patients, Preprocedural antibiotics were administered routinely, Demographic variables, techni cal factors related to tube placement, and risk factors were examined with respect to tube malfunction and 30-day morbidity and mortality. R ESULTS: Technical success was 99%, The overall complication rate was 6 .5%, including hemorrhage requiring transfusion after 13 PCNs (2.8%), A baseline platelet count of less than 100,000/mm(3) was a significant risk factor for hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. The 30-day mo rtality rate was 3.1%; however, none of these deaths were procedure re lated. CONCLUSION: Radiologically guided PCN with self-retention cathe ters is associated with a high technical success rate and low morbidit y.