Efficacy and Safety of Two Different Approaches in the Drainage of the Upper Urinary Tract in "Acute Obstructive Uropathy": A Critical Evaluation.

To compare the results of retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) procedures for decompression in patients with acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Medical records of patients undergoing PCN or RUS for emergency urinary diversion because of obstructive pyelonephritis were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with urinary tract obstruction and concurrent fever (≥38°C), pyuria, and costovertebral angle tenderness were included and divided into two groups based on the type of emergency urinary drainage applied (PCN in Group 1) and (RUS in Group 2). Apart from the demographic data and Charlson Comorbidity Index, laboratory and radiologic examination outcomes were well evaluated. A total of 155 patients including 73 patients (47.1%) undergoing PCN (Group 1) and 82 patients (52.9%) undergoing RUS (Group 2). Although no significant difference was found regarding the demographic characteristics, the operation time, as well as fluoroscopy time, was significantly shorter in Group 1 cases when compared with those in Group 2 ( < 0.0001). The success rate was similar between the two groups, and there was also a significant difference regarding the complication rates in both groups of cases (5.5% 7.3%). Our findings showed that despite similar efficacy and success rates noted between PCN and RUS applications in the emergency drainage of cases presenting with obstructive pyelonephritis, PCN application was found to be advantageous because of shorter operation and fluoroscopy durations. More importantly, this approach was associated with a significantly less need for intensive care during the postoperative period.