Nephrostomy: definition, process, treatment, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is a nephrostomy?

Nephrostomy is a procedure for inserting a catheter tube to remove urine from the kidneys. This procedure is performed when the ureteral tube connecting the kidney and bladder becomes blocked.

Normally, humans have two kidneys, each of which will excrete urine into the bladder through the ureter's bladder. When exposed to certain conditions such as kidney stones or cancer, these ducts can become blocked.

Clogged ureters can stop the kidneys from working, so that the ends will damage the kidneys. Not only that, if the clogged urine is infected, this will cause a serious condition.

For this reason, nephrostomy was performed. In addition to temporarily draining urine, this procedure will help improve the functioning of the kidneys, protecting them from further damage and helping to prevent infection.

There are two types of catheters that will be installed as follows.

• Nephrostomy catheter, this catheter will be inserted when the ureter is really blocked or even injured, is inserted through the pelvis.
• Catheter nephro-ureterostomy , which will be inserted if the blockage has not completely blocked the line or can still be passed with a catheter. This catheter passes through the pelvis, into the kidneys, and passes along the ureter to the bladder.

This procedure is often performed to treat several diseases related to problems with the urology or urinary system, including kidney stones, kidney cancer, infection, or injury to the kidneys.

Precautions and warnings

What needs to be prepared before undergoing a nephrostomy?

Before undergoing a nephrostomy, of course, you must go through an examination with your doctor first to find out your condition.

At that time, tell the doctor everything concerned with your medical history including:

• use of certain medications, for example blood thinners such as warfarin,
• allergies to drugs or contrast media such as X-ray dyes,
• symptoms of infection, either fever or night sweats,
• history of kidney disease,
• a history of postoperative excessive bleeding, dental work, injuries, or conditions that indicate you may have a problem with the blood clotting process, as well
• history of kidney or bladder surgery.

Bring important documents such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRI.

This information will be needed to help plan procedures and assist medical staff in considering and preventing any risks of complications that may occur.

Process

How is the nephrostomy procedure done?

A nephrostomy will be performed by a radiologist. Later, you will be explained about the process of the procedure. At this point, you can ask questions or things that you are worried about.

If you qualify, you must first fill out a consent form. When the schedule comes, you'll need to fast for a few hours before starting the procedure.

The doctor will give a local anesthetic to the part of the body where the catheter will be inserted. Usually, a sedative will also be inserted in the catheter tube to make you sleepy.

This procedure is performed in a lying position on a special X-ray bed with a slight angle to the body. The doctor will make a small incision through the back of the pelvis using a needle using ultrasound assistance or CT scan.

When the needle is in the right position, the needle will be replaced with a catheter. After that, the doctor puts in a plastic bag to collect urine.

What should I do after having a nephrostomy?

You need to rest in bed for a few hours until you recover. Most patients are allowed to go home on the same day without needing to stay overnight.

The catheter needs to be in place until the cause of ureter obstruction has been resolved. If you need a nephrostomy for a longer time, the catheter will need to be replaced periodically. The doctor will later provide information about the installation schedule.

Make sure that throughout the procedure, you are accompanied by your family or loved ones. You still need care when you return home.

Complications

What complications can occur?

The risk of complications with nephrostomy is low. You may feel pain or bruising right in the area where the needle, wire, and catheter tube was attached. Urine can also contain blood, but this effect only lasts for 1-2 days.

Some of the other complications that can occur are:

• kidney infection,
• urine leak,
• allergic reactions,
• the occurrence of a hole in one of the organs caused by a needle, as well
• exposed to radiation.

Pay attention to any symptoms you experience.

If the pain does not go away even though you have been given pain medication or if you are still bleeding through urine, it is better to immediately go to the doctor so that complications do not develop into a more severe problem.

Care

Post procedure catheter care to be done

Usually before returning home, the doctor will provide information about how to care for the nephrostomy tube. Some of the steps that must be taken are as follows.

• Wash hands before caring for the nephrostomy tube.
• Clean the area around the hose with soap and water every day.
• Keep the urine bag in place so that it is always over the kidneys to avoid urine buildup.
• Routinely empty the urine bag before it is completely full or every 2 - 3 hours then replace it with a clean one.
• Change the dressing around the catheter tube every three days or when it starts to feel wet or dirty.

Remember, always pay attention to various conditions that arise after inserting the catheter. If you have any complaints or questions, immediately discuss them with your doctor.