Discharge Instructions for Percutaneous Nephrostomy

You had a procedure called percutaneous nephrostomy. Urine was drained from your kidney to prevent pain, infection, and kidney damage. A specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist usually does this procedure. You had the procedure because your kidney or a ureter (tube leading from the kidney to the bladder) was blocked by a kidney stone or tumor, or due to another problem. The blockage caused a backup of urine in your kidney.

A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will stay in place until the problem that caused the buildup of urine has been treated. This may be as soon as a day or as long as weeks to months. The catheter bag is taped to your leg so that you can walk around.

Activity

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor say it’s okay.

• Avoid strenuous activities, such as mowing the lawn, vacuuming, playing sports, or engaging in any activity that will cause your tubing to be pulled or moved.

• Gradually increase your activity level with short, frequent walks 3–4 times a day.

• Don’t drive while you are still taking pain medication. Wait until your doctor says it’s okay to drive.

Home Care

• Eat your normal diet.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes that won’t pull or kink the catheter tube.

• Check your dressing often to make sure the tubing is secure.

• Don’t let the drainage bag hang freely, or it will pull on the catheter. Keep it taped to your leg or hold it temporarily.

• Empty the drainage bag often to keep the weight of the bag from pulling on the catheter.

  • Empty the bag when it is one-half to two-thirds full.

  • Always empty the bag before you go to bed.

  • Wash your hands before and after emptying the bag.

• Measure and record the amount and color of the urine that drains into the bag.

• Shower as needed.

• Gently clean around the insertion site with mild soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

• Change your dressing if it becomes loose or dirty.

• Throw away the dressing in a plastic bag.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following: A tube that is not draining Pain, redness, or discharge around tube Fever above 100.4°F A noticeable increase or decrease in the amount of urine that drains Cloudy or smelly urine Urine that changes to a pink or red color Increased pain Severe pain in your side Nausea and vomiting