Biliary Peritonitis After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Case Studies and Management Concerns

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate cases of gallbladder injury, a rare and potentially serious complication, in the setting of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Patients and Methods:

We report two cases of gallbladder injury after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and review the literature on this rare complication.

Results:

Both cases of gallbladder injury at our institution along with the four other case reports in the literature all necessitated cholecystectomy. Medial right-sided collecting system access during percutaneous nephrolithotomy may increase the risk for biliary injury.

Conclusions:

Both recognized and unrecognized gallbladder injury may lead to biliary peritonitis necessitating subsequent cholecystectomy.