Risks
Risks of Unintentional Nephrostomy Tube Removal
Accidental dislodgement is a clinical emergency, especially if it happens at home or without medical supervision. Risks include:
Loss of Access to the Kidney
- Critical: The nephrostomy tract closes within hours.
- Re-inserting the tube becomes more difficult.
Urinary Obstruction
- If the underlying cause (e.g., stone, tumor, stricture) hasn’t resolved, urine cannot drain.
- Leads to hydronephrosis, severe flank pain, infection, or kidney damage.
Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
- Trauma to the kidney or surrounding tissues during dislodgement can cause internal bleeding.
- Presents as hematuria (blood in urine), flank pain, or drop in hemoglobin.
Urine Leakage into Tissues (Urinoma)
- If the tract closes but the kidney keeps producing urine with no outlet, urine can leak into surrounding tissues.
- Can result in urinoma, abscess, or sepsis.
Infection or Sepsis
- Accidental removal in a non-sterile environment introduces bacteria.
- Combined with urine stasis, this increases risk of urosepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Skin and Tissue Damage
- If the tube is pulled forcefully, surrounding skin or kidney tissue can be torn.
- May require surgical repair in severe cases.