Nephrostomy Tube Exchange

Nephrostomy tubes are replaced every 3-4 months to prevent blockages from sediment in the urine, which can cause infections or kidney damage. Regular changes help to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of the tube.

The nephrostomy tube allows the urine to drain directly from your kidney through an opening in the skin on the back. Using imaging guidance to ensure it goes directly into the desired area, the radiologist places a wire into your kidney, then positions the tube over the wire. The wire is removed, and urine is collected into an external drainage bag.

Prior to the tube exchange, you’ll meet our interventional team including physicians and radiology technologists, who will explain the procedure and get your consent for the exam. You will lie face down on the exam table (so your back is accessible). The interventional radiologist will use an image-guided technique to accurately position the new tube, which typically takes about 30 minutes.

• You may eat and drink normally prior to your appointment unless otherwise instructed by your
• Leave your jewelry and valuables at home and wear comfortable clothing.
• Take medications as normal

After your tube exchange, you can go directly home. You can expect slight discomfort for a few days and the urine in your bag may be slightly red. This is normal and should subside in a day or two.

Your provider may limit certain activities for several days to not disrupt the tube or bag. You will need to avoid bathing or swimming for 48 hours to ensure the site is kept clean and dry to prevent infection. After 48 hours, you may shower as usual, and change your dressing.

Regularly inspect the tube for signs of infection and use clean hands while caring for your tube.

Tube inspection

When you inspect your nephrostomy tube, you should check for:

• Kinks or bends in the tubing. (The tube won’t drain into the bag if it’s bent or kinked.)
• Infection, swelling or redness where the tube meets your skin.
• Blood in your urine or in your nephrostomy bag.
• Wet, dirty or loose dressings where the tube meets your skin. (Your dressings should be clean and dry at all times.)

Flushing the Tube

Flushing your tubing prevents it from clogging. Your provider will give you instructions on when and how to do this. Flushing the tube generally involves injecting a sterile solution into the port that connects your drainage bag to the tubing.

On the day of your procedure, you should:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
• Avoid bringing jewelry or valuables

Benefits:

This procedure helps to preserve kidney function and prevent damage by ensuring waste is properly removed from the body.

Risks:

• Pain or discomfort at the tube insertion site
• Bleeding
• Bloody Urine (It is common for the urine to be pink or red immediately after the procedure. This usually clears over the next 24–48 hours.)
• Infection
• Injury to your kidney, bladder, or ureters
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye (if used)
• The nephrostomy tube falling out