Centers of Excellence

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?

You will receive instructions from staff at the interventional radiologist’s office at least a day before the procedure. Make sure to let the staff know if you have any allergies to medications or to contrast material which may be used during this procedure. If you are on any blood thinners such as asprin, Coumadin, Lovenox, Heparin, or Plavix please let the staff know. You may have blood drawn for pre-procedure testing at either the hospital or clinic. Staff will advise you if changes in your regular medication schedule are necessary. You may have to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure. Make sure someone will be available to drive you home afterwards.

HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?

A nephrostomy tube is a drainage tube placed directly into the kidney. Normally, as urine is produced in the kidney it drains downwards through a tube called the ureter and stored in the bladder until urination occurs. When there is obstruction of urine flow due to stones, infection, congenital malformation, cysts or tumors a nephrostomy is placed so that the urine may drain bypassing the obstruction.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PREFORMED?

A nephrostomy tube is placed in the kidney by the interventional radiologist using moderate sedation. The nephrostomy tube may be temporary for only a few days, weeks or months; or permanent. If it is going to stay in for a long period of time it will need to be replaced periodically.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING THE PROCEDURE?

Your abdomen and back will be cleansed with disinfectant and a sterile drape applied over the area. Sedation will be given through your IV. Your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and respiration will be monitored. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be given into the tissue to numb the site. The nephrostomy tube will be placed and left in place connected to a drainage bag.