What is a Nephrostomy Procedure ?
The primary goal of a nephrostomy procedure is to reduce the pressure that urine builds up in the kidneys. This is achieved by placing a tube, known as a nephrostomy tube, through the skin into the kidneys, allowing urine to drain outside the body. This helps alleviate the pressure in the kidneys. The nephrostomy tube is usually placed temporarily. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications.
What Are the Benefits of Nephrostomy ?
By immediately relieving the urinary pressure on the kidneys, nephrostomy helps restore kidney function to its normal state.
How Should I Prepare for Nephrostomy ?
Before the insertion of a nephrostomy catheter or ureteral stent, certain tests will be done to ensure your blood clots normally. If you are using blood-thinning medications, you may be asked to stop them for a period of time.
Blood tests will be performed to check the function of your liver and kidneys, as well as to assess your clotting levels. You should inform your doctor about any medications you are taking and any allergies you have. Your doctor may recommend stopping certain medications before the procedure. Additionally, a contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scan of the liver is required if it has been performed in the last month. If not, these tests will be requested. You should not eat or drink anything after the night before the procedure.
How is the Nephrostomy Procedure Performed ?
The nephrostomy catheter is used to drain infected urine or to bypass damaged ureters after trauma, allowing urine to flow directly outside the body. During the nephrostomy procedure, a plastic catheter is inserted through the skin at the lower back and directed into either the left or right kidney. The catheter’s inner tip forms a loop inside the kidney, while the outer end exits the body and is attached to a drainage bag. If a ureteral stent is placed, the collection bag may not be necessary. These procedures typically take less than an hour.
What Are the Risks ?
There is a slight risk of minor bleeding, but serious bleeding requiring a blood transfusion or surgery is extremely rare. Less common complications include urine leakage from around the catheter into the abdomen. If there is an infection in the obstructed urine before the procedure, septicemia (infection in the bloodstream) may occur during nephrostomy placement. To prevent this, antibiotics are often given before the procedure.
What to Expect After the Procedure? What is the Follow-Up Plan ?
After the procedure, you will be transferred to a hospital room for monitoring. Most patients require a few hours of bed rest. The drainage tube will remain in place for the duration determined by your doctor. When you are discharged, you will receive instructions on how to properly care for the catheter.