Case of nephropulmonary fistula and literature review

From the literature, the managements for nephropulmonary fistula were variable. We would like to present our case and review the literature for the best method of care. The common features were 1) infected kidney; 2) ipsilateral lower lobe pneumonia or pleural effusion; 3) sputum and urine culture growing the same organism. Renal gaseous content may not be present on x-ray or even CT scan. The choice of management for the nephropulmonary fistula was diverse. However, conservative managements including antibiotics, endourological procedures for stone clearance, percutaneous drainage were not successful. Nephrectomies were required. Operative tips and anaesthesia preparation recommendations are given.