Optimal Method of Decompression of the Renal Collecting System in Acute Obstruction: a Prospective Randomised Trial

The obstructed kidney in the setting of urosepsis is a urological emergency. Stone manipulation in the setting of active, untreated infection with concomitant urinary tract obstruction can lead to life-threatening sepsis. Therefore, urgent decompression of the collecting system is warranted.

There are two options for urgent decompression of an obstructed collecting system:

1. Image-guided percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement
2. Cystoscopic retrograde placement of a ureteric stent

This strategy allows drainage of infected urine and penetration of antibiotics to the affected renal unit. Definitive stone manipulation should be delayed until the infection is cleared following an appropriate course of antimicrobial therapy.

Both the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the American Urological Association (AUA) provide guidelines for management of an obstructed kidney. Both organisations provide evidence-based statements of the highest recommendation that urgent decompression of the kidney is mandated in the setting of sepsis. However, neither organisation recommend one decompression modality over the other. There is a lack of high quality up-to-date evidence to support a consensus view that one method of decompression is superior to the other.