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As a patient, you received a nephrostomy catheter because you were experiencing blockage of the ureter, presence of a hole in the ureter, or preparing for surgery or other procedures on the kidney or ureter. A nephrostomy catheter is a tube that is inserted into a kidney to drain your urine either into an external bag or sometimes into the bladder. In most cases, the catheter is changed every two to three months. Changing the catheter helps to prevent catheter blockage.
The longer the catheter is in, the more likely it is to become blocked. It is much easier to change the catheter than it is to place the original catheter.
Procedure preparation
- A nurse from CDI will contact you before to your procedure.
- At this time, it will be important to review any medications you may be taking and to discuss known allergies to foods or medications.
- Females in their childbearing years should let the nurse or technologist know if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
- Stop taking any blood thinners 48 hours prior to the procedure. You may need to consult your doctor before doing so.
- Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to the procedure. Nothing after midnight is preferred.
- You may be able to take medicine with water. Consult your doctor before doing so.
- Bring any results from previous imaging exams (films or CD-ROMs of x-ray, CT, or MRI images), if possible.
- You will need someone to drive you home from your exam due to the effects of certain medications. Please make the necessary arrangements or request assistance from CDI.
- You may experience some numbness 2-8 hours after the injection, which could impair your normal driving reflexes.
During the procedure - what to expect
- An interventional radiologist – a physician who is fellowship-trained to provide minimally invasive treatments – will perform your procedure.
- You will have an I.V. needle placed in your arm so that you can receive a light sedative.
- You will be asked to lie on your stomach on a cushioned table.
- Contrast (x-ray dye) will be injected through your nephrostomy tube (catheter) to enhance the images.
- The interventional radiologist will use x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy images on television monitor) to confirm positioning of the existing catheter in the kidney.
- Once the positioning is confirmed, a wire will be placed through the catheter to maintain access to the kidney. Next, the old catheter will be removed, and a new catheter placed over the wire into position.
- The area will be sutured and covered with a bandage.
After the procedure – what to expect
- You will be monitored in our patient recovery area by our staff for several hours.
- After the local anesthetic effects have worn off, your usual symptoms may return. You should keep a record of symptoms following the procedure and report to the referring physician at your follow-up appointment.
- You will be allowed to eat and drink.
- Once your procedure is complete, we will provide you with information on your Nephrostomy tube, and address frequently asked questions about using and caring for the device.
If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local CDI center.
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 | Nephrostomy |
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