Nephrostomy
This page will give you information about a nephrostomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a nephrostomy?
Urine normally drains from your kidneys into your bladder through small muscular tubes called ureters. A nephrostomy is a procedure to drain urine from your kidney using a catheter. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).
What are the benefits of a nephrostomy?
The main benefit is to reduce the risk of your kidney being damaged without having to have surgery. It will give your doctor time to find out why your ureter is blocked and to treat the problem.
Are there any alternatives to a nephrostomy?
Sometimes the problem can be treated by surgery. However, this can take time and a nephrostomy will help your kidneys to carry on working.
What does the procedure involve?
The radiologist will place the catheter through your back and in your kidney using a needle and guidewire (thin flexible wire). When the radiologist is satisfied that the needle is in the correct position, they will replace it with the catheter (see figure 1). The catheter will be attached to a plastic bag to hold the urine.
What complications can happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leaking urine
- Allergic reaction
- Making a hole in nearby structures with the needle
- Failed nephrostomy
- Radiation exposure
How soon will I recover?
You will need to stay in bed for at least a few hours to recover and rest.
The catheter will need to stay in place until the cause of the blocked ureter has been treated.
You should be able to go home the same day.
Summary
A nephrostomy is usually a safe and effective way of draining urine from your kidney to give your doctor time to find out why the ureter is blocked and to treat the problem.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Jonathon Lloyd FRCS (England) FRCR and Mr John Lemberger FRCS
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
