Three-Dimensional Volume Rendering of Entrapped Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter by Granulation Tissue

An 87-year-old man undergoing radical cystectomy and bilateral nephrostomy visited our hospital 19 days postoperatively because of a lack of urine flow from the left 14-Fr Malecot nephrostomy catheter. The catheter was apparently firmly anchored to the kidney, and an attempt to reposition the catheter failed. Three-dimensional computed tomography volume rendering indicated a deformity of the left catheter compared with the right, implying that something was lodged in the Malecot flanges. Surgical removal of the catheter 2 days later revealed granulation tissue overbridging the Malecot wings. We cut the tissue, and the catheter was successfully exchanged.