Nephrostomy Tube Placement or Replacement

Nephrostomy tube placement or replacement are common medical procedures performed to ensure proper urine flow from the kidney to the bladder or from the kidney to an external container to facilitate urination or collect urine samples for analysis.

What is a nephrostomy tube? 

A nephrostomy tube is a thin tube inserted directly into the kidney through the skin and tissue, usually through a small incision on the back. This procedure allows urine from the kidney to drain directly into a container outside the body for the removal of excess fluid or to facilitate the measurement of certain substances in the urine.

When is placement or replacement of a nephrostomy tube necessary? 

Placement of a nephrostomy tube is usually performed when there is a blockage in the urinary tract, kidney stone, or other condition that interferes with normal urine flow. Replacement of a nephrostomy tube is carried out when there are signs of infection, blockage, or other complications that require changing the tube.