NEPHROSTOMY TUBE IN THE KIDNEY

NEPHROSTOMY TUBE IN THE KIDNEY

Overview and Facts

A nephrostomy tube is a small and thin tube made of plastic that passes through the back, the skin, then in the kidney where the urine is stored.  The primary purpose of the nephrostomy tube is to drain the urine. This enables the kidney to work normally and prevents damage to the organ. Thus it clears away any infection. The nephrostomy is an opening found between the skin and kidney.

Urine is created in the kidneys, and humans contain two kidneys. The urine passes to the bladder through the ureter. X-ray images and ultrasound are utilized to facilitate the process. Contrast is infused into the portion of the kidney that gathers the urine. 

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

How do I prepare for a nephrostomy?

Besides fasting before the surgery, there is no particular preparation for nephrostomy. 

However, it is necessary to inform your physician if you are/have:

  • Taking blood-thinning medicines; these medicines can make you bleed during the surgery.
  • Allergies in medications.
  • Signs and symptoms of infections. 
  • History of kidney disease.
  • Experienced bleeding from previous surgery, injuries, dental, or blood clotting. 
  • Undergone bladder surgery. 

If you will consult or meet with your physicians, bring your MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scan result, these tests and results may help them diagnose and plan the procedures of the surgery. Through the planning of the medical staff, complications and bleeding within the site can be prevented. Your physician must discuss the procedure, plan, and arrangement during the nephrostomy, it is the other way to avoid any complications. 

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Mostly, the procedure may take an estimated time of 30 minutes, however, the surgery may go longer than the approximate time. The time may vary depending on the internal structure of the patient’s body. If you have a long procedure time, it doesn’t mean there is a complication with the surgery, sometimes the physicians are re-assuring that the nephrostomy has been taken safely. Some hospitals advise their patients to stay overnight. 

When the operation is done, you may feel the following:

  • Bruises and pain in the needle site. 
  • There are tubes and wires inserted.
  • You may experience blood-stained urine. 

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