Rapid balloon dilatation of the nephrostomy track for nephrostolithotomy.

The Olbert balloon catheter can be used to dilate a nephrostomy track from 9 to 30 F (3 to 10 mm) in a single step. Percutaneous nephrostomy, track dilatation, and percutaneous stone extraction can be performed within 40 to 90 minutes. The authors have used this catheter successfully in 10 patients without encountering complications.