Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used when a very large stone is located in the kidney or when other treatments fail. A small cut is made in the lower back and a small telescope is inserted into the kidney. Once seen, the stone can be broken into smaller pieces and removed.
Nephrostomy Tube Procedure
A nephrostomy tube is a small, flexible, rubber tube that is surgically inserted through the skin into the kidney to drain urine. The urine collects in a bag outside the body.
This procedure may be needed to prevent kidney damage and infection if something, such as a kidney stone, is blocking normal urine drainage through the ureter (tube connecting kidney to bladder).
Nephrostomy tubes are placed by specialists in the interventional radiology department, using general anesthesia. The procedure takes about an hour.
After the procedure, discomfort is usually mild and will be treated with pain medication. Once we are sure the tube is draining properly, your child may be discharged. A nurse will teach you how to take care of the tube at home.
Once the kidney stone or other blockage has been taken care of and the tube is no longer needed, it will be removed.