Grade 3a Clavien grade complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Related factors and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

We review the literature about bleeding complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and the application of the modified Clavien system classification.

METHODS

We present a 38 year old man who underwent left PCNL with acute severe hematuria during the immediate postoperatory time. We review the literature and analyze the usefulness of the modified Clavien system to grade perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Conservative management was insufficient so we had to perform arteriography and superselective embolization to solve the acute arterial bleeding. According to Clavien's classification, our case would be included within the grade 3a group complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The complications following a PCNL are not uncommon. However most of them are not severe. The modified Clavien system, used for classifying complications after performing PCNL, can be useful for reporting results in an objective and replicable way.