Percutaneous nephrostomy

A percutaneous nephrostomy , synonymous with pyelostomy, is the external drainage of urine (percutaneous = through the skin) from the renal pelvis through a nephrostomy catheter .

Percutaneous nephrostomy is necessary if the flow of urine from one or both renal pelvis is blocked and urinary congestion occurs as a result , which leads to a congested kidney . Prolonged pressure on the kidneys can impair kidney function, damage the organ and lead to infections. Reasons for a urinary stasis kidney can be a mechanical obstacle, for example due to malformations, a kidney stone or a narrowing in the area of ​​the urinary tract due to tumors. Another indication is the safe drainage of urine from the kidney after a surgical procedure on the urinary organs.

Technique of the nephrostomy attachment

Under local or general anesthesia, a kidney calyx is pierced under ultrasound or X-ray control and a plastic tube is inserted over the kidney calyx into the renal pelvis. The drainage catheter is then attached to the skin and connected to a collection vessel or urine bag into which the urine can drain. Alternatively, especially for operations on the urinary tract, a nephrostomy can also be performed with open surgery.

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