Nephrostomy Tube Placement

A nephrostomy tube is a small, flexible tube that is placed into a kidney to provide an outlet for urine if the usual route through the ureters and bladder is blocked or damaged.  When the flow of urine is obstructed, the kidney can swell and become damaged, or the stagnant urine can become infected.  The procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist, using ultrasound, CT, fluoroscopy, or a combination, to guide the introduction of the catheter into the collecting system of the kidney. Iodine based dye is used to evaluate the kidney and ureter.  Moderate sedation is used to make the patient comfortable during the procedure, which is generally very safe.  Because bleeding can occur, it is important to tell your physician if you are taking any blood thinners so these can be discontinued prior to the procedure.  If you have an allergy to iodine or iodine-based dye, you must inform your physician ahead of time as you may need to be pre-medicated to prevent an allergic reaction.