Complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and their management

To date, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the standard treatment modality for large-volume renal stones and staghorn stones in patients with urolithiasis. Despite low invasiveness, this method is not without complications. This review discusses the most common complications and suggests methods for their prevention and appropriate management. To unify the study of complications they were categorized based on the modified Clavien classification. According to the available data, about 80% of the PNL complications belong to grade I-II complications and does not require any additional treatment. The most serious complications include sepsis, bleeding, and injury to nearby organs.