Areas for safe percutaneous nephrocentesis--a study of practical anatomy.

The safest percutaneous nephrocentesis route is through the posterolateral aspect of the kidney. From study of 160 kidneys from adults at autopsy, we conclude that the most favorable nephrocentesis area is the lower major renal calyx and its minor calyces or the upper minor calyces. We believe that the lateral aspect of the middle calyces may be an area for safe nephrocentesis.