A review was made of 127 percutaneous nephrostomies (PCN) in 106 patients with benign (74 patients) and malignant (32 patients) urinary tract obstruction. Data on underlying aetiology, complications, subsequent management and long-term management are presented. The study confirms that PCN is an effective and safe method of providing temporary or prolonged urinary diversion in obstruction. Its use in pelvic malignancy should be determined by the likelihood of obtaining worthwhile prolonged palliation in individual patients.