Risks and complications of the PCNL and Nephrostomy
Some risks and potential complications that are associated with PCNL are:
- Bleeding: Blood loss during this procedure is generally minimal, and the risk of bleeding ranges from 2-12%, depending on the size and location of the stones.
- Infection: In some cases, bacteria can grow within the kidney stones and cause an infection. Hence, urinary infections should be treated before the PCNL procedure with antibiotics to lower the risk.
- Failure to Remove the Stone: There is a slight risk of this happening with PCNL.
- Organ Injury: Rarely, some organs surrounding the kidney may experience injury during surgery.
Who needs a PCNL and Nephrostomy?
Medical professionals typically recommend PCNL and Nephrostomy in the following conditions:
- Large kidney stones are blocking the collecting system branch of the kidney
- Kidney stones are larger than 2 centimetres
- Large stones are in the collecting tubes
- Other treatments have failed