Laparotomy for duodenal obstruction, caused by a renal haematoma after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is a widely used, acceptable and common first line treatment for non-conservatively managed renal and ureteric stone disease. Although considered a relatively safe non invasive treatment for renal and ureteric stones, can carry with it significant associated morbiditiy especially in high risk patients, such as those who are anticoagulated. Renal haematomas are not an uncommon finding after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, however, fewer than 1% of patients presenting with a symptomatic renal haematoma require intervention in the form of urgent embolisation under interventional radiology, or emergency nephrectomy. Rare cases of splenic and hepatic haematomas have been reported and rarer still cases of gastro-intestinal perforation following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. We report a case with a significant renal haematoma needing emergency embolisation of the renal artery, and subsequent development of duodenal obstruction from direct haematoma compression requiring a laparotomy and intended duodenal jejunal bypass. Level of evidence: 5