Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the procedure of choice for large kidney stones, but serious complications such as bowel perforation may occur. We discuss the diagnosis and management of colonic and small-bowel perforations due to PCNL and suggest principles for care and prevention. We emphasize the significance of imaging tools to direct percutaneous access, the importance of early diagnosis, and the relatively high success rate for conservative management.
Large kidney stones are usually treated with a keyhole surgery procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A rare but serious complication of this procedure is puncture of the bowel. We discuss how to prevent, diagnose, and treat this complication in patients undergoing PCNL.
European urology open science. 2024 Jun 19*** epublish ***
Ziv Savin, Amihay Nevo, Mario Sofer
Department of Urology, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.