The value of percutaneous nephrostomy; Sri Lankan experience.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most useful indications for image-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of immediate outcome of the procedure in 46 patients. SETTING: Department of Radiology, The National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. PATIENTS: 46 patients on whom 59 PCNs done between June 1995 and August 1996. RESULTS: 57 PCNs were successful and 2 failed. Clinical improvement was observed in all patients with acute obstructive renal failure, pyorenephrosis and fistulae. Benefits were minimal in patients with chronic obstruction and none with terminal malignancy.