Management of the tube and bags
Drainage bags should be changed every 5-7 days , while good hand hygiene is vital when handling the drain and exit site and emptying the drainage bag. Nephrostomy tubes should be routinely changed every three months as recommended by the manufacturer.
How do you change a nephrostomy dressing?
Gently remove the old bandage and skin barrier . Do this by holding the skin beside the tube with one hand. With the other hand, gently remove sticky tape and the skin barrier by pulling in the same direction as hair growth. Do not touch the side of the bandage that is placed over or around the tube.
How often should nephrostomy tube dressings be changed?
It will also be important to change the dressing and clean around the tube every two to three days . You may shower with the drain, but you must change the dressing immediately after showering to keep the dressing clean and dry. Any time the dressing becomes wet or soiled, you will need to change it.
How do you clean a nephrostomy site?
To clean the bag, fill it with 2 parts vinegar to 3 parts water, and let it stand for 20 minutes . Then empty it out, and let it air dry. Empty the drainage bag before it is completely full or every 2 to 3 hours. Do not swim or take baths while you have a nephrostomy tube.
How long can you live with a nephrostomy tube?
Results: The median survival time of the patients was 255 days , while median catheterization time was 62 days. The majority of patients (84) died with the catheter.
How do you sleep with a nephrostomy tube?
Do try to not let the tube (s) stop you from sleeping. Try to place the urostomy bag in a good position to allow the connections to be in the curve of the waist to avoid discomfort and to make it easier for sleeping.
What to do if nephrostomy tube falls out?
tube become displaced (not draining any urine into the bag) or accidentally pulled out, contact the Urology Nurses or your GP . They will arrange for you to be seen urgently to have it replaced. Hygiene – thoroughly wash hands before and after emptying the bag via the valve.
Can you still urinate with nephrostomy tube?
Urine drains through the tube into a bag outside your body. The bag has a tap so you can empty it. You may still pass some urine in a normal way even when you have a nephrostomy.
Can nephrostomy tubes be permanent?
A nephrostomy tube can remain in the kidney as long as the obstruction in your urinary tract does not get relieved. It may need to stay in for a short time such as till a stone passes naturally.
How long does it take to heal from a nephrostomy?
The skin can take up to 24 hours to heal but you may go home earlier with some dressing supplies. When you go home you may have a prescription for pain control medication. You may also need to take an antibiotic medication to prevent infection.
Is it normal for a nephrostomy tube to leak?
Persistent urine leakage, nephrostomy tube slippage, and urinary system infections are minor complications of PCNL [5]. The duration of urine leakage (DUL) following removal of the nephrostomy tube after PCNL varies significantly depending on the techniques used.
How do you check a nephrostomy tube?
A nephrostomy tube check involves injecting x-ray contrast material (x-ray dye) through the tube and taking x-ray pictures . A nephrostomy tube change involves passing a wire through the tube in your kidney, removing the tube over the wire and then replacing it with another tube.
Why is my nephrostomy tube not draining?
Be sure that there are no kinks or bends in the tubing . The tube will not drain if kinks or bends are present. Change the drainage bag if it becomes dirty or foul smelling, or if a hole is punctured in the bag or in the tubing. Contact your child’s doctor if you need a new bag.
Is it painful to have a nephrostomy tube removed?
Pain Most patients experience mild to moderate pain at the surgery site , especially if a nephrostomy (kidney) drain is present. The pain improves significantly following removal of the nephrostomy tube. Nevertheless, it can take several weeks for the pain to resolve.
When should a nephrostomy tube be removed?
You should expect to awaken from the anaesthetic with a nephrostomy tube, placed inside a bag (urostomy pouch) or taped on the side of your back and a catheter (tube) placed in your bladder. Most patients will have these tubes removed in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery .
Can I drink alcohol with a nephrostomy tube?
Do not drink alcohol. The effect of the sedation may be prolonged by other drugs you are taking. The sedation we give patients for the procedure makes you comfortable but it may affect your memory for up to 24 hours.
