Background: Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tube placement under combined ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance is a standard procedure in urology. The use of a 1 Tesla open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner enables PCN placement under real-time guidance.
Method: In the present series 51 patients underwent a total of 79 MRI-guided procedures between 2008 and 2012 and 52 interventions were performed after failure of conventional urological manipulation. Of the procedures 55 involved only a minor urine transport disorder (UTD) or none at all.
Results: Puncture and subsequent PCN tube placement were successful in all patients. Extravasation was found in four patients and renal pelvic clots in three. All complications healed without sequelae or further interventions.
Conclusion: The MRI-guided PCN tube placement is an optimal alternative, particularly in cases of limited conventional imaging.