When your doctor or hospital mentions the term “nephrostomy,” you naturally wonder: what exactly is this, and how will it affect my daily life?
The answer is simpler than it seems. Nephrostomy is the diversion of urine from the kidney to the outside, through a thin tube—the nephrostomy catheter—that is inserted through the skin of the lower back and into the renal pelvis. From there, the urine drains into an external collection bag.
For more detailed information on daily care, travel, nutrition and EOPYY coverage, read the complete nephrostomy care guide .
How it works in practice
The kidney constantly produces urine — about 1 ml per minute under normal conditions. This urine normally travels down through the ureter to the bladder, from where it is excreted in urination. When this passage is blocked (by a stone, tumor, or stricture), urine builds up in the kidney and swells it — a condition called hydronephrosis .
A nephrostomy solves the problem by bypassing the obstruction: a thin tube provides an "outer route" for urine. This decompresses the kidney and prevents irreversible damage.
What the catheter is made of
Modern catheters are made of biocompatible materials: polyurethane or silicone . They have a spiral pigtail shape at their inner end that keeps them anchored in the pelvis, preventing them from slipping out with the patient's movements.
The gauge is measured in French (Fr) — the most commonly used are 8–14 Fr. The larger the gauge, the lower the risk of blockage but the more invasive the placement.
How long does the catheter stay in place?
It depends on the cause. In temporary cases (treatment of an acute infection or stone displacement), the catheter can be removed within a few weeks. In chronic cases (oncology patients, permanent stenosis), the catheter remains in place indefinitely and is changed every 8-12 weeks on a scheduled basis.
What changes in daily life
- You wash with shower — no bathing in a bathtub, no swimming.
- You wear a leg bag during the day and a night bag when sleeping.
- You empty the bag 3-5 times a day.
- You visit the urologist for a scheduled change every ~10 weeks.
- Stay well hydrated: 1.5-2 liters of water/day.
What does NOT change
With proper care, most activities remain possible: office work, traveling, driving, sexual intercourse, moderate exercise. Patients quickly learn the routine and the nephrostomy becomes just another part of daily hygiene.
Difference between nephrostomy and Foley catheter
Many people confuse nephrostomy with a urinary catheter. They are different: the Foley catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and empties the bladder. Nephrostomy is inserted through the skin directly into the kidney and drains the kidney, bypassing the bladder and ureter entirely.
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Sources: Government Gazette B' 5395/09-10-2025, Nursing Care of a Patient with Percutaneous Nephrostomy (Patras General Hospital). Informative article, does not replace medical advice.