Percutaneous ultrasound-guided nephrostomy: experience of the Douala General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (NPC) is an adjunct procedure allowing urine diversion and thus relieving the emergency, while awaiting etiological treatment. Our study focused on the epidemiological aspects, the technique used, the indications and the results of the Ultrasound- guided Percutaneous Nephrostomy for drainage in our context. The objective of our work was to provide feedback on the use of Ultrasound- guided Percutaneous Nephrostomy
without injection of contrast agent at the Douala General Hospital.

Material and method: Our study was retrospective and descriptive over a period of 7 years (1st January 2017 to 31st June 2023) and was carried out in the urology unit of the Douala General Hospital. It included 26 patients who had undergone PCN.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.31 years (range 31-79 years). Unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis of ultrasound stages 3 or 4 according to the ‘‘Society for Fetal Urology’’ was the only indication found. The causes of hydronephrosis were dominated by neoplasia, with secondary bladder involvement (96%) and primary bladder involvement in only one case. All patients had impaired renal function. Overall survival was 03 months after the procedure. Percutaneous nephrostomy was productive in 42% of patients at 3 months of follow-up. However, 38% died three months after the procedure and 15% required reoperation or removal of the tube.

Conclusion: PCN, even if temporary, remained an alternative, relieved patients' symptoms and improved renal function, as well as improving the administration of chemotherapy for oncologists.