An interventional radiologist inserts a nephrostomy tube to help drain urine when your ureter is blocked. The tube goes through the skin of your back directly into your kidney. Caring for this tube at home is essential to prevent infections and blockages.
With proper care, you can manage your nephrostomy tube safely. Here is a practical guide to daily maintenance.
Keeping the dressing dry and clean
The skin around the tube must stay clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Daily check: Look at the dressing on your back every day. Make sure it is secure and not wet or loose.
- Showering: Do not submerge the tube in water. Avoid baths and swimming. You can take a shower if you cover the dressing with a waterproof plastic wrap.
- Changing the dressing: Change the dressing at least once a week. If it gets wet, dirty, or loose, change it immediately.
- Hand hygiene: Always wash your hands with soap and clean water before touching the tube or dressing.
Emptying and positioning the drainage bag
Urine drains from the kidney into a plastic collection bag. Proper bag management keeps urine flowing freely.
- Empty regularly: Empty the bag when it is half full. Do not let it fill completely, as the weight can pull on the tube.
- Keep it low: Always keep the drainage bag below the level of your kidneys. This prevents urine from flowing backward into your kidney.
- Secure the tube: Tape the tube to your skin. This stops the tube from pulling when you move or walk.
- Night care: At night, hang the bag beside your bed, below your mattress level. Ensure there are no kinks in the tubing.
Flushing the tube
Your referring doctor or home nurse may instruct you to flush the tube. Flushing keeps the tube free from blood clots and mineral buildup.
- Use only sterile saline solution as directed by your clinical team.
- Never force the liquid into the tube. If you feel resistance, stop immediately.
- Always use sterile, single-use syringes and follow clean techniques.
When to seek immediate medical care
Complications can happen. Contact your referring doctor or go to the nearest emergency center if you notice any of these signs:
- Fever or chills: A temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) is a sign of infection.
- Pain: Sudden, severe pain in your back or side that does not go away.
- No drainage: No urine has drained into the bag for over two hours.
- Leakage: Urine is leaking onto your skin around the tube.
- Changes in urine: The urine looks cloudy, smells bad, or has fresh red blood.
- Tube movement: The tube looks longer, or has slipped out of your back completely.
Caring for your nephrostomy tube may feel overwhelming at first. However, following these steps will help you stay safe and comfortable during your recovery.