Urology

Nephrostomy Percutaneous

Nephrostomy Percutaneous

Percutaneous Nephrostomy at GetWellGo provides international patients safe, minimally invasive kidney drainage with skilled specialists and cost effective care.

Nephrostomy percutaneous procedure

This is usually performed when there is an obstruction leak in the flow of urine between the kidney and the bladder and the urine is not flowing normally.  

Indications

Percutaneous nephrostomy is normally done because of:

  • Obstruction of the urinary tract (from kidney stones, tumors, strictures)
  • Hydronephrosis (distension of the kidney with urine) 
  • Infected obstructed kidney (pyonephrosis).
  • Urinary leaks or fistulas 
  • Preoperative temporary drainage.
  • Access for further treatment (stone extraction, stent insertion).

Percutaneous Nephrostomy Procedure

  • Procedure type: Image guided, percutaneous. 
  • Local anaesthesia 
  • Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Step-by-step:

  • The patient is either in the prone position or slightly side lying.
  • Credentialing Local anaesthesia is applied at the puncture site.
  • The identification of the kidney is done by ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance).
  • A fine needle is poked into the skin into the renal pelvis.
  • The needle is passed through a guidewire.
  • The tract is gently dilated.
  • The nephrostomy tube is attached and fixed on the skin.
  • Urine starts emptying itself into an external collection bag.

After the Procedure

  • Kidney pressure is typically relieved immediately.
  • There may also be a blood tinge in the urine within 24-48 hours.
  • Hospital stay: day or 1-2 days, based on condition.
  • Antibiotics can be recommended.

Percutaneous nephrostomy tube

A PCN tube is a catheter that is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the skin into the kidney and drains urine out of the body into a collection bag. In the event that urine cannot be discharged normally out of the kidney to the bladder, it is used.

What is the Reason behind a Nephrostomy Tube?

A PCN tube is placed to:

  • Greatly relieve urinary tract obstruction.
  • Bilateral drainage (pyonephrosis) in an infected kidney.
  • Reduce hydronephrosis
  • Manage urinary leaks
  • Protect kidney function
  • Give access to such procedures as stone removal or stents.

Types of Nephrostomy Tubes

  • Temporary pipes - temporary drainage.
  • Long-term tubes - in case of malignancy or chronic obstruction.
  • Pigtail catheter - is typically employed to stop tube dislodgement.

Percutaneous nephrostomy complications

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a easy and easy to perform practice, but just like any intervention, it is associated with complications. These are normally small and easy to handle when they are early discovered.

Early Complications

  • Bleeding / Hematuria
  • Pain at Insertion Site
  • Infection / Sepsis
  • Injury to Nearby Organs

Late Complications

  • Tube Blockage
  • Tube Dislodgement or Accidental Removal
  • Urine Leakage Around Tube
  • Infection 

Percutaneous nephrostomy placement

Placement of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a minimally invasive image-guided method in which a catheter is inserted through the skin directly into the kidney to drain urine into an external laboratory container. In it, the normal urine being passed by the kidney to bladder is usually obstructed.

Placement Indications of Nephrostomy

The placement of PCN is observed in:

  • Stones (obstruction of the urinary tract) or tumors and strictures.
  • Hydronephrosis
  • Obstructed kidney (pyonephrosis) infected.
  • Urinary leaks or fistulas
  • Emergency or preoperative decompression.
  • Admission to additional urological services.

Benefits

  • Minimally invasive
  • Kidney rapid decompression.
  • Doable under local anaesthesia.
  • Septic obstruction- life saving.
  • Preserves kidney function

Nephrostomy percutaneous recovery

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) recovery is generally fast because it is a low invasive procedure. Most of the symptomatic patients become symptom-free from the moment urine begin to be drained.

Early Recovery (first 24-48 hours)

  • Inpatient procedure: 1-2 days or day surgery. 
  • Pain: Mild to moderate pain on the location of insertion.
  • Urine sample: It is normal to have blood in your urine and this usually clears up in 1-2 days.
  • Observation: Vital signs, urine output and signs of sepsis are observed.
  • Medications: Painkillers and antibiotics (if prescribed)

Initial Phase: Recovery from Treatment

  • Slow disappearance of pain and painkillers.
  • Dressing changes as advised
  • Light activities were resumed 24 to 48 hours later.
  • Do not lift, bend, or do strenuous work. 
  • Adequately hydrate unless limited.

Home Care During Recovery

Tube Care

  • Maintain a clean and dry site of insertion.
  • Tie the tube to avoid tugging.
  • Flush tube where given the instruction of your healthcare provider.

Drainage Bag Care

  • Have the bag below the kidneys.
  • Empty the bag regularly
  • Observe urine color, amount and clearness.

Diet and Hydration

  • Normal diet may be resumed usually.
  • Consume large amounts of fluids to keep the urine flowing (except where fluid is limited)
  • Early recovery No alcohol.

Activity and Lifestyle

  • Taking a shower can be provided with waterproof dressing.
  • Avoid bathing and swimming or water immersion.
  • Sleep upon the other side of the tube.
  • In a matter of days, most individuals go back into normal routine lives.

Follow-Up and Tube Duration

  • A follow-up imaging can be necessary.
  • Tube replacement should usually be performed after 6-12 weeks in case of long-term.
  • The removal of the tube will be based on the treatment of the underlying cause.

Percutaneous nephrostomy kidney drainage

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) kidney drainage is a relatively simple, image-guided procedure, which involves catheter-based drainage of the urine out of the kidney into the body exterior. It avoids the ureter and bladder in the event when the normal urine flow is obstructed or dangerous.

Why does it require Kidney Drainage?

PCN kidney drainage is carried out to:

  • Alleviate genital tractal obstruction (stones, tumors, strictures)
  • Treat hydronephrosis
  • Emergency sign Drain an infected kidney (pyonephrosis)
  • Treat urinary fistulas or leakages.
  • Protect kidney function
  • Temporal drainage prior to permanent surgery.

Best hospital percutaneous nephrostomy India

  • Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
  • Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
  • Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
  • Max Hospital, Saket

Conclusion

Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe, least invasive and extremely effective way of draining kidneys in case the normal urine flow is blocked or impaired. It gives quick relief of pressure, assists in the management of infection and is important in the maintenance of the kidney functioning, particularly in the cases of emergency like infected or obstructed kidneys. Most patients recover well with proper tube placement, tube care, and follow-up, which leads to a minimum of complications. Percutaneous nephrostomy is frequently an emergency but life-saving procedure until the underlying pathology may be safe treated.

Percutaneous nephrostomy India GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24 hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Help in choosing from among Best Percutaneous nephrostomy surgery Hospitals in India.
  • Deserve expertise of nephrologist with proven results in success. 
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

1. Why do you need a nephrostomy tube instead of urinating the regular way? 

  • It is required when a normal flow of urine is obstructed, due to stones, tumors, strictures, infection or trauma, and there is an urgent need to drain the kidney for its protection.

2. Is nephrostomy an emergency procedure?

  • Yes, it is commonly done as an emergency for the infected or obstructed kidney.

3. Does the procedure hurt?

  • Patients usually experience only mild discomfort as the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, occasionally with sedation.

4. How long does the nephrostomy tube last?

  • Depending on the underlying condition and treatment plan, the tube can stay for a few days or it can stay for several months.

5. What do I do if the tube is not draining urine?

  • This could mean blockage or dislodgement. You need to call your healthcare provider immediately.

6. Is a nephrostomy tube permanent?

  • No. It is most often used as a temporary procedure to relieve an obstruction or allow other definitive management.

7. Can they take out the nephrostomy tube?

  • Yes. When the obstruction has been cleared and urine is flowing freely, the tube can be removed without risk.

TREATMENT-RELATED QUESTIONS

GetWellGo will provide you end-to-end guidance and assistance and that will include finding relevant and the best doctors for you in India.

A relationship manager from GetWellGo will be assigned to you who will prepare your case, share with multiple doctors and hospitals and get back to you with a treatment plan, cost of treatment and other useful information. The relationship manager will take care of all details related to your visit and successful return & recovery.

Yes, if you wish GetWellGo can assist you in getting your appointments fixed with multiple doctors and hospitals, which will assist you in getting the second opinion and will help you in cost comparison as well.

Yes, our professional medical team will help you in getting the estimated cost for the treatment. The cost as you may be aware depends on the medical condition, the choice of treatment, the type of room opted for etc.  All your medical history and essential treatment details would be analyzed by the team of experts in the hospitals. They will also provide you with the various types of rooms/accommodation packages available and you have to make the selection. Charges are likely to vary by the type of room you take.

You have to check with your health insurance provider for the details.

The price that you get from GetWellGo is directly from the hospital, it is also discounted and lowest possible in most cases. We help you in getting the best price possible.

No, we don't charge patients for any service or convenience fee. All healthcare services GetWellGo provide are free of cost.

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