Misplaced nephrostomy catheter in left renal vein: a case report of an uncommon complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION In 1941 Rupel and Brown used a rigid cystoscope to extract the residual stones through a drain tract following open surgery.(1) That was the beginning idea of endoscopic renal surgery. L shaped endoscopes were used for visualizing calyceal stones during open procedures. The percutaneous nephrostomy was described by Goodwin in 1955 as a temporary solution for obstruction secondary hydronephrotic patients.(2) Finally, Fernstrom and Johansson performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) successfully in three patients in 1976.(3) Although PCNL is a safe and effective procedure which improves by experience and technology, complications may occur as the procedure in essence is controlled renal trauma. Here, we report an uncommon PCNL complication and our management.