If a patient has a partial or total blockage of their ureter (the long tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), it can result in kidney damage. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube – a soft, rubber catheter – can be inserted into the lower back into the kidney, serving as a bypass around the blocked region. Urine is collected into a bag. Some patients require only one bag, and will still be able to void as urine will collect normally in the other kidney. The tube is placed using x-ray or ultrasound guidance. It stays in place as long as the blockage is present or in cases where there is a hole in the ureter, until the hole has healed. 

If a patient has a partial or total blockage of their ureter (the long tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), it can result in kidney damage. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube – a soft, rubber catheter – can be inserted into the lower back into the kidney, serving as a bypass around the blocked region. Urine is collected into a bag. Some patients require only one bag, and will still be able to void as urine will collect normally in the other kidney. The tube is placed using x-ray or ultrasound guidance. It stays in place as long as the blockage is present or in cases where there is a hole in the ureter, until the hole has healed.