Percutaneous balloon catheter nephrostomy guided by ultrasound. Results of a new technique.

A new method for percutaneous nephrostomy is described. The renal pelvis is punctured guided by ultrasound and after dilatation of the tract a 10F silicone balloon catheter is inserted. The procedure was successful in 51 of 52 attempts (98%). The catheters were maintained from two to 150 days. Eight catheters slipped out unintended (16%) 27 to 86 days after the insertion. No serious complications were seen.