Abstract
The extent of damage from percutaneous nephrolithotomy was studied in 15 patients (16 kidneys) by CT and 99mTc-DMSA renal scanning 7 and 30 days postoperatively. Renal caliceal puncture with tract dilatation to 26F and stone removal were performed as a one-step procedure. On CT, the tract was seen as an area of diminished contrast enhancement in seven kidneys after 7 days and in three kidneys after 30 days. In the 99mTc-DMSA gamma imaging, an initial 8.0% decrease in mean split function was noted on the treated side. One month later, the corresponding value was 4.8%, reflecting the largely reversible nature of the functional changes. In the light of this study, the renal damage caused by percutaneous nephrolithotomy is slight, and most of the changes initially seen will disappear within 30 days.
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