Nephrostomy Placement & Catheter Care

A nephrostomy catheter is a tube that's placed through the skin of your back into the kidney to drain the urine. A few of the reasons for a nephrostomy catheter include blockage of the ureter, presence of a hole in the ureter, and preparation for a surgical procedure. The patient is placed on their stomach and is given sedation through IV. The skin of the back is numbed with a local anesthetic and a needle is guided into the collecting system of the kidney under Ultrasound and X-Ray guidance. The needle is then transformed into a tube which exits from the back and drains into a plastic bag which is attached to the patient's leg.

PREPARATION:

1. Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the procedure.
2. Arrange for a family member or a friend to drive you home.
3. Inform your doctor of any allergies you may have especially to x-ray contrast.
4. You may take your medicines with small sips of water. Please consult with your doctor about whether or not to take certain medications such as blood thinners like Coumadin or Insulin.
5. Bring all of your medications with you.

AFTER DISCHARGE:

1. Limit activity for at least 24 hours after the examination.
2. It is important to keep your catheter clean and dry. Tape plastic, such as kitchen wrap, over the area when you shower and clean the area every day with a cotton swab moistened with Peroxide.
3. Do not let anything such as clothing pull on the catheter. Expect to have your catheter changed every two to three months.