To study in detail the effects of percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy on renal function, a consecutive series of 11 patients were investigated preoperatively by excretory urography, gamma camera renography for determination of individual renal function and computerized tomography of the kidneys. Postoperatively, gamma camera examination, computerized tomography, antegrade nephrostography, renal angiography and excretory urography were performed. With 2 exceptions, percutaneous nephrostomy, dilation of the tract and stone removal were done in 1 stage with the patient under continuous epidural anesthesia. Nephrostomy tract dilation was done with an Olbert type balloon catheter or Alken metallic dilators. Thickening of Gerota's fascia was demonstrated by computerized tomography in most cases, and small to moderate perirenal hematomas were found in several. At gamma camera examination decrease of renal function was noted regularly on postoperative day 1 and returned to near initial levels 2 weeks postoperatively in most cases. Angiography in 10 patients showed discrete parenchymal scarring in some and a peripheral arteriovenous fistula in 1. We conclude that percutaneous renal stone surgery usually is tolerated well by the kidney.

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An open surgical method for the creation of experimental renal artery stenosis by ligation with chromic catgut is described. Microscopic examinations at different intervals demonstrated the development of fibrosis throughout the arterial wall. These stenoses seem to provide a suitable model for the study of the effects of balloon catheter dilatation. Previously reported techniques for experimental artery stenosis induction are briefly reviewed.