ALGORITHM FOR TREATMENT OF A CHILD WITH A PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROSTOMY TUBE

Abstract

Ensuring unimpeded urine drainage from the upper portion of the urinary tract system, specifically the renal pelvis, is achieved through a temporary measure known as percutaneous nephrostomy. This procedure is most commonly employed in small children with congenital ureteral stenosis. The nephrostomy exit site and nephrostomy tube care are performed by the child‘s parents at home after being trained by experienced medical personnel. Complications associated with nephrostomy include local inflammation at the nephrostomy exit site, displacement or damage of the nephrostomy tube, and urinary tract infections. After nephrostomy formation, a narrowing of the previously dilated renal pelvis can be observed on ultrasound. The duration for which a child requires a nephrostomy depends on the underlying cause of the urinary tract obstruction and the planned course of treatment, with the condition closely monitored by ultrasound.

Keywords

• percutaneous nephrostomy tube
• exit site care
• children