Percutaneous Nephrostomy
What is a percutaneous nephrostomy?
How is a percutaneous nephrostomy tube placed? How long does the procedure take? What are the risks? What happens after the procedure?What is a percutaneous nephhrostomy?
Urine from the kidney drains out through a narrow tube, the ureter, and into the bladder. When this tube is blocked urine cannot be excreted from the kidney. Sometimes it is necessary to place a soft catheter from the skin directly into the kidney until the blockage resolves. This catheter allows urine to drain from the kidney into a collecting bag outside of the kidney. Therefore, percutaneous means through the skin and nephrostomy means a tube in the kidney.
How is a percutaneous nephrostomy tube placed?
Depending on your child's medical history, either sedation or general anesthesia will be given for comfort during the procedure. Using ultrasound and x-ray the interventional radiologist will decide on the most suitable access point for the nephrostomy tube (catheter), usually in the back, below the last rib. A needle will be placed directly into the kidney. A guide wire will be placed into the kidney, through the needle, which then enables the catheter to be properly positioned. The catheter will then be fixed to the skin and attached to a drainage bag.
How long will the procedure take?
Times may vary but typically the procedure takes 45-60 minutes.
What risks are associated with the procedure?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the kidney, liver and/or bladder
- Contrast (x-ray dye) reaction
- Blood in the urine-urine may look red temporarily
What happens after the procedure?
Your child may experience some discomfort around the site of the catheter for several days. You will need to keep the site where the catheter exits the skin clean and dry. Sponge bathing is acceptable put you should not submerge the catheter under water. Be careful not to make any sudden movements that could result in pulling on the catheter, such a getting up from a chair.
If you have additional questions, please call the IR nurse scheduler at 215-590-7000 (press #1 at the first prompt, and press #2 at the second prompt).
Appointments
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