Rationale of percutaneous nephrostomy in malignant obstructive uropathy

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous nephrostomy [PN] was done for 28 patients presenting with malignant obstructive uropathy and impaired renal function. The mean serum creatinine was 15.3 mg% +/- 4.9 mg%. The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance. The renal function improved in 23 patients [82%] with significant decrease in serum creatinine to 3.5 mg% +/- 1.3 mg% [P < 0.001]. There were no serious complications related to PN in any of the patients. Minor complications occured in 8 patients [28.6%] and managed successfully. After improvement in renal function 11 patients underwent radiotherapy and 8 patients underwent chemotherapy for the primary malignancy. 19 patients out of 24 patients [79%] followed up survived more than 2 months. In conclusion, percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with malignant obstructive renal failure is a minimal invasive procedure that improves the renal function and if further treatment is available, the survival may be improved