Last updated: 02/17/2009

There are a number of risks associated with PCNL:

• Inability to make a large enough track to insert the nephroscope. In this case, the procedure will be converted to open kidney surgery.
• Bleeding. Bleeding may result from injury to...
  
  blood vessels within the kidney as well as from blood vessels in the area of the incision.
• Infection.
• Fever. Running a slight temperature (101.5°F; 38.5°C) is common for one or two days after the procedure. A high fever or a fever lasting longer than two days may indicate infection, however, and should be reported to the doctor at once.
• Fluid accumulation in the area around the incision. This complication usually results from irrigation of the affected area of the kidney during the procedure.
• Formation of an arteriovenous fistula. An arteriovenous fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein in which blood flows directly from the artery into the vein.
• Need for retreatment. In general, PCNL has a higher success rate of stone removal than extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which is described below. PCNL is considered particularly effective for removing stones larger than 1 in (0.5 cm); staghorn calculi; and stones that have remained in the body longer than four weeks. Retreatment is occasionally necessary, however, in cases involving very large stones.
• Injury to surrounding organs. In rare cases, PCNL has resulted in damage to the spleen, liver, lung, pancreas, or gallbladder.