Radiology
Your consultant has requested that you attend for a nephrostomy tube change procedure. This leaflet is designed to explain what the examination involves. The examination will be carried out in the x-ray department at The James Cook University Hospital.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately to rearrange. This will allow us to use the appointment for another patient.
What is the test for?
Usually nephrostomy tubes are changed on a regular basis from three monthly to six monthly to continue drainage from your kidneys and to reduce risk of urinary infections. Your timescale for change will have been decided by your urology consultant with input from the Radiology Practitioner.
Preparation for the test
If you have your own drainage bags, adhesive remover or any other adhesive equipment
to secure your bag please bring them with you to your appointment.
What the test involves
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. The procedure is performed under x-ray control. You will lie on your back or side on the x-ray table. Your drainage bag will be removed.
X-ray dye is used to safely assess the position of your nephrostomy tube. A wire is passed through your nephrostomy tube and is safely removed and replaced.
A new drainage bag will be positioned by the staff or by yourself whichever is best for you.
This is usually not a painful procedure. On occasion some discomfort may be felt but usually it is just a strange sensation that is felt.
Gas and air is available if required during the nephrostomy tube change.
You may experience some slight tenderness over the area the doctor has been working on. You may notice that your urine may be blood stained this should settle within a few days. You are advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush away this blood.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself takes approximately between 30 minutes to an hour. If you attend early there is no guarantee that you will be seen before your appointment time.
Risks involved
There is a small risk of:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Mild discomfort
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients who have ovaries and are between the ages of 12 and 55, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
Please contact the x-ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond the ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 1 to 2 years of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 1000 – Low.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639 (Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]