Information

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Last updated: 11/24/2009

Diagnosis/Preparation

Either the day before or the day of the nephrostomy, blood samples are taken. Other diagnostic tests done before the procedure may vary, depending on why the nephrostomy is being done, but the patient may have a CT scan or ultrasound to help the treating physician locate the blockage.

Patients should not eat for eight hours before a nephrostomy. On the day of the procedure, the patient will have an IV line placed in a vein in the arm. Through this line, the patient will receive antibiotics to prevent infection, medication for pain, and fluids. The IV line will remain in place after the procedure for at least several hours, and often longer.

People preparing for a nephrostomy should review with their doctor all the medications they are taking. People taking anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Coumadin) may need to stop their medication. People taking metformin (Glucophage) may need to stop taking the medication for several days before and after nephrostomy. Diabetics should discuss modifying their insulin dose because fasting is required before the procedure.


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Type 2 diabetes, when poorly controlled, can directly damage several organs and tissues like the kidney, the retina of the eye, and the nerves. Type 2 diabetes also leads to increased risk of heart disease and arterial disease and makes it harder for wounds to heal (delays healing).

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Other Information

A nephrostomy is an artificial opening created between the kidney and the skin which allows for the drainage of urine directly from the upper part of the urinary system (renal pelvis).

Nephrostomies are created by surgeons or interventional radiologists and typically consist of a catheter which pierces the skin and rests in the urinary tract. It is performed under ultrasound guidance or under image intensifier. Local anesthetic infiltration is used to numb the area where the needle would pass through to make the puncture on the kidney.

Urine is collected in an external bag which can be emptied as often as necessary.


From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrostomy

Other Information

And in urology, it could be drugs or devices for bladder and prostate problems.


-David Pyott

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