Nephrostomy Tube after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Large-Bore or Pigtail Catheter?

Abstract

A pigtail catheter nephrostomy tube after PCNL reduces the hospital stay by reducing the duration of the urinary leak. The postoperative course is smooth, as patient has less pain and needs less analgesic support. There is no statistically significant increase in the postoperative bleeding secondary to use of a pigtail catheter. Second-look nephroscopy was easy in the one patient with a pigtail nephrostomy catheter who needed the procedure.