Safety and Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Oncology Patients

Participants with known or suspected primary malignancy presenting with ureteric obstruction undergo ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) using the standard Seldinger technique. Under local anesthesia and real-time ultrasound guidance, percutaneous access to the collecting system (targeting a lower pole posterior calyx) is achieved using an 18-gauge puncture needle (or 21/22-gauge Chiba needle). A 0.035-inch or 0.038-inch J-tip guidewire is advanced into the renal pelvis, followed by serial fascial dilation and placement of an 8Fr locking pigtail nephrostomy catheter connected to external gravity drainage.

Ultrasound-guided placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheter using the standard Seldinger technique. Under local anesthesia (1% or 2% lidocaine) and continuous real-time ultrasound visualization without fluoroscopy, access to the dilated pelvicalyceal system is achieved via posterolateral puncture targeting a lower pole posterior calyx using an 18-gauge needle (or 21/22-gauge Chiba needle). A 0.035-inch or 0.038-inch J-tip guidewire is advanced and coiled within the renal pelvis. The tract is serially dilated over the guidewire using sequential fascial dilators, followed by insertion of an 8Fr locking pigtail nephrostomy catheter into the renal collecting system. Proper intrapelvic positioning is confirmed sonographically and via free drainage of urine. The catheter is locked, sutured to the skin with non-absorbable sutures, dressed sterilely, and connected to an external gravity drainage bag.

Percentage of procedures resulting in successful puncture and placement of an 8Fr locking pigtail nephrostomy catheter into the renal pelvicalyceal system using ultrasound guidance alone, confirmed by free drainage of urine and post-procedure imaging (ultrasound or KUB radiograph).

Percentage of participants experiencing procedural or post-procedural complications, including major adverse events (severe retroperitoneal hemorrhage, urosepsis) and minor adverse events (persistent hematuria, tube displacement, or local puncture site infection).