Tamponade nephrostomy catheter for percutaneous nephrostolithotomy.

Hemorrhage from the nephrostomy tract is the most common major complication associated with percutaneous nephrostolithotomy. The tamponade nephrostomy catheter is a new addition to the endourologist's instruments; it is expressly designed to achieve immediate tamponade of the nephrostomy tract. The large-diameter, occlusive balloon (36F) is carried on a 14-F nephrostomy tube which is passed over a 5-F ureteral stent. As such, the catheter not only tamponades the nephrostomy tract but effectively drains the renal pelvis, while maintaining ureteral access.