Managing your nephrostomy tube
Date issued: July 2024
For review: July 2026
Ref: C-579/JP/Urology/Managing your Nephrostomy tube
PDF: Managing your nephrostomy tube.pdf [pdf] 207KB
What is a nephrostomy tube?
A nephrostomy tube is a soft, thin hollow plastic tube that is inserted through the skin of your back and into your kidney. This will be placed to help relieve a build-up of urine within the kidney that has been caused by an obstruction or blockage and protect your kidney from being damaged. A nephrostomy drains urine directly from the kidney into a collecting bag outside your body. These bags can be worn on the leg or hip and can be secured with straps.
A nephrostomy tube is inserted under local anaesthetic by a trained radiologist under x-ray guidance and can be inserted in either kidney or both: this will be determined by which kidney is obstructed. A single stitch is sometimes used to secure the tube which is then covered with a drain fixation dressing.
How long will my nephrostomy remain in situ?
Nephrostomy tubes are usually used as a temporary solution, but this will depend on your individual situation; the tube will remain in place until further treatment has been successful in relieving the blockage to your kidney. Your doctor will discuss this further with you. However if your treatment takes longer than six weeks to complete you may need your nephrostomy tube to be exchanged. Your doctor will plan for you to attend the x-ray department for this procedure.
What happens if I go home with a nephrostomy tube
On discharge from hospital, you will be shown how to empty your nephrostomy bag and attach a night bag (if using one). You or your family will also be taught how to safely change your nephrostomy dressing. A referral to your local practice nurse may be made to assist with dressing changes or if you are housebound a referral will be made to the district nurses. Your nurse will arrange for supplies of bags and dressings to be delivered straight to your home address, under a community prescription from your GP. You will also be given a booklet called an Indwelling Passport which must be taken to all appointments concerning your nephrostomy. This will ensure your healthcare professionals can have accurate information about your nephrostomy. You will also be given spare bags and dressings to take home until your regular supply arrives.
To place an order contact Fittleworth:
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Freephone: 0800 378 846
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Email: caring@fittleworth.com
Caring for my nephrostomy tube at home
Emptying the drainage bag:
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Empty your bag when it is two thirds full to prevent bag from getting too heavy.
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Open the tap at the bottom of the bag to allow urine to flow out and into the toilet.
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Close the tap and then wipe the tube with a clean piece of toilet roll/wet wipe.
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
How often does my nephrostomy bag need changing?
It is recommended that the bag which is attached to your nephrostomy tube is changed every 5-7 days. Single use night bags should be disconnected from your nephrostomy bag each morning and emptied (in the toilet) prior to disposal.
How often does my nephrostomy dressing need changing?
The dressing needs to be changed weekly along with the bag.
What else do I need to know?
Preventing infection
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Wash hands before touching the nephrostomy site/bag.
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Do not get the site wet and use film dressing when showering (Do not bathe while nephrostomy is insitu).
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Keep nephrostomy site covered with a dressing at all times.
Passing urine
If you have one nephrostomy tube in place, we would expect you to pass urine naturally, as the other kidney will still be draining into your bladder. If you have two nephrostomies tubes we would expect the tubes to drain all the urine so passing urine naturally would be unlikely.
Eating and drinking
You can eat and drink as normal. You need to ensure that you drink 2-3 litres of fluid a day.
Exercise and sexual intercourse
Gentle exercise is fine, avoid strenuous exercise as this may cause pain. There are no restrictions on sexual intercourse.
Sleeping
Avoid lying on the side of the nephrostomy tube as this may cause pain and may result in the tube being dislodged.
What if I have problems?
You may notice a small amount of bruising at the insertion site, this is normal. However, if you notice:
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Swelling or redness around the insertion site.
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Urine leaking around the nephrostomy tube.
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Feeling feverish.
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
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Persistent blood in urine (which does not improve with increased fluid intake)
Please contact your GP
If you experience the following, please go to your nearest emergency department:
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Reduced urine output.
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High temperature.
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If your nephrostomy tube has fallen or been pulled out.
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Severe pain.
Useful numbers
Useful numbers if you are unable to speak to your GP:
Clinical Nurse specialist on 01752 438090
Urology Nurse specialist (kidney) 01752 432358
Lynher Ward on 01752 455052
Useful contacts
Endo-Urology (Stone) Nurse Specialist
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth
01752 438090
Urology CNS (Kidney)
01752 432358
