Antibiotic prophylaxis and infectious complications in PNL

Abstract

Postoperative infection in PNL represents one of the most feared and life-threatening complications in current urologic practice. In this chapter the importance of a correct preoperative evaluation of the patient and of the related risk factors is described; adequate antibiotic prophylaxis and intraoperative measures to prevent the development of infectious adverse events are indicated; early postoperative signs that could anticipate the development of a sepsis, in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and establish early measures that consequently will reduce morbidity and mortality, are identified. These are the basic principles and key points that will help us to perform a secure PNL, limiting intraoperative risk.