Intervention: Nephrostomy
ICD-10 code:
ICD-9 code:	55.02
MeSH	D009403
Other codes:

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).

Contents 1 Uses 2 Process 2.1 References 3 Links

[edit] Uses

A nephrostomy is performed whenever a blockage keeps urine from passing from the kidneys, through the ureter and into the urinary bladder. Without another way for urine to drain, pressure would rise within the urinary system and the kidneys would be damaged.

The most common cause of blockage necessitating a nephrostomy is cancer, especially ovarian cancer and colon cancer. Nephrostomies may also be required to treat pyonephrosis and kidney stones.

[edit] Process

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, CT fluoroscopy 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.

Newer technologies such as 3D fluoroscopy are being developed to aid in placement of these types of drainage tubes. ^[1]

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

[edit] References

1. ^ Macaluso JN: Editorial Comment Urology 
March 2009 Vol. 73, Issue 3, 652-653, on Effectiveness of Three-dimensional Fluoroscopy in Percutaneous Nephrostomy: An Animal Model Study March 2009 Vol. 73, Issue 3, 649-652

[edit] Links

• Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe

v • d • e Urologic surgical and other procedures (ICD-9-CM V3 55-59) Kidney Nephrostomy · Nephrotomy · Nephrectomy · Kidney transplantation · Nephropexy Ureter Ureteroscopy · Ureterostomy · Urinary diversion · Ureterosigmoidostomy · ESWL Urinary bladder Cystoscopy · Cystometry · Cystectomy (Suprapubic cystostomy) Imaging Pyelogram (Intravenous pyelogram, Retrograde pyelogram) · Kidneys, ureters, and bladder General Urinary catheterization · Dialysis urinary system navs: anat/physio/dev, noncongen/acid+base/congen/neoplasia, symptoms+signs/eponymous, proc