Nephrostomy

A nephrostomy is an artificial opening created between the kidneyand the skinwhich allows for the drainage of urinedirectly from the upper part of the urinary system (renal pelvis). A nephrostomy is performed whenever a blockage keeps urine from passing from the kidneys, through the ureterand into the urinary bladder. Without another way for urine to drain, pressure would rise within the urinary system and the kidneys would be damaged. Nephrostomies are created by surgeonsor interventional radiologistsand typically consist of a catheterwhich pierces the skin and rests in the urinary tract. Urine is collected in an external bag which can be emptied as often as necessary. The most common cause of blockage necessitating a nephrostomy is cancer, especially ovarian cancerand colon cancer. Nephrostomies may also be required to treat pyonephrosisand kidney stones.

Links

• Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrostomy Wikipedia article Nephrostomy.