Percutaneous nephrostomy in women: an audit of more than 300 procedures

Background : Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is inserted for a variety of causes in women and the associated complications should be known by clinicians. Aims : To audit PCN insertions undertaken in women in order to determine the outcome, complications and their management, the age distribution and causes/indications for the procedure. Methods : The PACS and the automated letter systems as well as the laboratory results of the patients were used to obtain the relevant data. Results : Two hundred and seventeen patients underwent 344 PCN insertions with 100% success, 19 patients had 30 complications. No significant hemorrhage developed with 0.9% moderates and minor hemorrhages which settled. There was no death and no severe sepsis. The ages ranged from 17 to 95 years. Nephrostomy tube blockage occurred in 11(3%) patients. The nephrostomy tube fell-out and were replaced in 7(2%). One case of UTI was encountered. There most common indications for the PCN insertions were urinary tract calculi, transitional cell carcinoma of bladder, cervical carcinoma, urosepsis, pyonephrosis, and pregnancy. Conclusions: PCN insertion can be carried out safely in women of all ages including very old patients. The complication rate in our experience is low. Radiology departments should have trained radiologists capable of inserting nephrostomies.