Radiology – Fluoroscopy Department
Your consultant has requested that you attend for a nephrostomy +/- ureteric stent insertion 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. Telephone: 01642 282639
What is the test for?
This test is used to alleviate the symptoms of blockages in the kidney or urinary system.
Preparation for the test
You will have a small plastic tube (cannula) inserted, then some antibiotics and blood taken before coming to x-ray. The nurse and consultant radiologist (doctor) will explain and gain your consent for the examination before starting. You will be asked to change into a gown if you are not already wearing one.
What the test involves
You will lie either on your tummy or side on the x-ray table. Some monitoring devices may be attached to your arm. The doctor will use ultrasound to guide them into the correct position, and then some local anaesthetic will be given under the skin near your kidney.
After this has taken effect you will only feel the doctors hands brushing against your skin as they are working. If pain is not controlled adequately by local anaesthetic, we can provide some gas and air to help with your pain.
A very fine needle is passed into the kidney using x-ray guidance. An x-ray dye is used to visualise the kidney on x-ray. The doctor will put a drain (a fine plastic tube) through the skin, into the kidney, under local anaesthetic. This will allow urine to drain from the kidney into a small bag attached to your back outside the body. Your referring doctor will decide if this tube needs to remain in long term and inform you accordingly.
Depending on your individual condition, the doctor may also place a long tube (stent) into the kidney which will extend down to the bladder to allow urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder.
Some patients may have both of the above procedures.
After the examination
You will be taken back to the ward or radiology day unit on a trolley or bed and you will need to be on bed rest for at least an hour.
You may experience some slight tenderness over the area the doctor has been working on. You may notice some urine, which may be blood stained, gradually filling the bag, if you have one.
The results of the test
The doctor will write in your notes and tell you what they have done after the examination is finished. The consultant in charge of your treatment will discuss any further details with you on the ward/ clinic after the examination.
Risks involved
There is a small risk of:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Mild discomfort
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients with ovaries, 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]