Nephrostomy
A nephrostomy is a tube placed into the kidney to drain urine when the usual urinary pathway is blocked.
When to get help quickly: The need for nephrostomy can be urgent when blockage is causing infection, severe pain, worsening kidney function, or failure of urine to drain normally.
Common symptoms
A nephrostomy is usually needed because of symptoms from blocked urine flow, such as severe flank pain, fever, reduced urine drainage, or kidney swelling rather than because the tube itself is the problem.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm the blockage, decide which kidney is affected, and guide safe placement of the drainage tube.
What radiology does
Interventional radiologists often place nephrostomy tubes under imaging guidance to relieve pressure and protect kidney function.
What usually happens next
The tube may be temporary or longer-term depending on why the blockage happened and how it will be treated.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related articles
Related scan guides
- Nephrostomy Tube Placement and CareA Nephrostomy places a small drain directly through your back into your kidney, allowing trapped urine to bypass a blockage and flow safely into a collection bag — providing immediate relief for the kidney.
- KUB X-ray (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder)A KUB X-ray is a plain abdominal X-ray that includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It is the quick first-line test for suspected kidney stones, abdominal pain, and constipation — and often the gateway to more detailed imaging.