Nephropleural fistula after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a pediatric patient: diagnosis and management

Abstract

Nephropleural fistula is a direct and persistent communication between the intrarenal collecting system and the intrathoracic cavity and is a rare complication of supracostal puncture during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We report a case of a 4-year-old male child who underwent percutaneous removal of a right renal stone. He developed a nephropleural fistula and displacement of double J stent into the pleural cavity. Decompression of the pelvicalyceal system with percutaneous nephrostomy and repositioning of the double J stent allowed for healing of the fistulous connection.