Relieve kidney obstruction and infection with minimally invasive procedures

Nephrostomy Tube and Ureteral Stents

Nephrostomy tubes and ureteral stents are minimally invasive procedures used to relieve kidney obstructions and infections. A nephrostomy tube is a small tube inserted through the skin into the kidney to drain urine into an external bag, while a ureteral stent is a catheter that bypasses the obstruction, allowing urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder. Both procedures are performed under moderate or twilight sedation, offering immediate relief from symptoms and protecting kidney function.

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About Nephrostomy Tube and Ureteral Stents

If your kidney is obstructed and infected, a nephrostomy tube may be necessary to drain urine directly from the kidney and alleviate pressure and pain. A nephrostomy tube is a thin plastic tube that enters the skin of the flank and terminates in the kidney, allowing urine to drain into an external collection bag. This helps maintain kidney function and clears the infection. The procedure is performed under image guidance, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to ensure precise placement of the tube.

Once the infection has been controlled and the obstruction remains, a ureteral stent may be placed. A ureteral stent is a small catheter that is inserted through the kidney and into the urinary bladder, bypassing the obstruction and allowing urine to flow normally. The stent helps keep the ureter open, preventing further blockage and damage to the kidney. Patients with a ureteral stent will follow up with their urologist, who will address the underlying cause of the obstruction, such as breaking up a kidney stone or investigating other possible conditions.

Both nephrostomy tube and ureteral stent placements are minimally invasive outpatient procedures performed with moderate or twilight sedation to ensure patient comfort. The choice between these procedures depends on the patient’s condition, the presence of infection, and the nature of the obstruction.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Nephrostomy Tubes and Ureteral Stents

These procedures offer several benefits, including:

Immediate Relief: Both procedures provide prompt relief from symptoms caused by kidney obstruction and infection.
Preserves Kidney Function: Helps maintain kidney function by allowing urine to drain effectively, reducing the risk of kidney damage.
Minimally Invasive: Both procedures involve small incisions and are performed under imaging guidance for precision and safety.
Outpatient Procedure: These procedures are typically done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Risks

While nephrostomy tube and ureteral stent placements are generally safe, there are some risks, including:

Minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
Infection at the tube or stent site
Tube or stent dislodgement or blockage
Damage to surrounding structures (rare)
Allergic reaction to contrast material (if used)

Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks with you and provide instructions on how to care for your nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent to minimize complications.

Contact Us About Nephrostomy Tubes and Ureteral Stents

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney obstruction or infection, or if you have been advised to consider a nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent, contact our radiology team in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers to schedule a consultation and learn more about these minimally invasive procedures.

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