What happens during placement
Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, a needle reaches the kidney through numbed skin, a thin guide wire follows, and the drainage tube is passed over it. The tube connects to a drainage bag attached to your leg, and a dressing covers the site. You shouldn't feel pain — some pressure when the tube goes in is normal. Sedation may also be given.
Before the procedure: blood tests may be ordered, your diet is limited (clear liquids or nothing) for 4–8 hours beforehand, and an IV is placed for fluids and medication.
Afterward
- Most patients go home 8–12 hours after the procedure; your vital signs are monitored for several hours first.
- The insertion site may be tender for a few days.
- A little blood in the urine for a few hours, and slight leakage at the site, are normal.
- You'll be shown how to care for the tube — many patients have someone help with it.
- How long the tube stays depends on why it was placed; your physician will give you the follow-up plan.
Call us if…
- Fever lasting more than 12 hours, chills, or foul-smelling urine
- Pain not controlled by your prescribed medication
- Redness, swelling, significant blood, or pus at the site
- The tube stops draining, drains very little, or has kinks
- A large amount of urine appears in the bag over a short period
- The tube has moved a few inches out of the entry site
- Urine is leaking around the entry site after 10 days
(508) 771-9550 — after hours, the answering service reaches the physician on call. For emergencies, call 911.