Download Home Care of Urinary Drainage Tubes

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Caring for Your Child
HOME CARE OF URINARY DRAINAGE TUBES
TYPES OF TUBES
Kidneys
1. Nephrostomy Tube
Ureter
Ureter
2. Ureteral Stent
3. Supra-pubic Tube
Bladder
Urethra
4. Ureteral Tube/Catheter
NAME OF TUBE
1. Nephrostomy Tube
PLACEMENT
A tube
• Into the kidney.
2. Ureteral Stents/Tubes
A tube
• Into one or both of the ureters.
3. Supra-pubic Tube
A tube
• Placed through the abdomen
into the bladder.
4. Ureteral Tube/Catheter
A tube
• Placed through urethra into the
bladder.
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PURPOSE
To drain urine out of the kidney
into a collecting bag/device. The
tube is stitched into place and
taped to the skin.
To drain urine, splint ureters, to
help healing, or to prevent
blockage from swelling after
surgery.
Keep bladder empty and to
reduce pulling on wound.
Keep bladder empty, to reduce
pulling on wound.
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MANAGEMENT
A. Drainage Bag Method
1. Daytime – connect tube to a small drainage bag attached to the leg. A piece of stockinette or sock
can be placed on leg first for comfort with the rubber straps.
2. Nighttime – connect tube to a bedside drainage bag. Check the tubing carefully to make sure
there are no kinks.
3. The drainage bag (either leg or bedside type) should always be lower than where the tube inserts
into the body.
4. Practice hooking up the drainage bags before you leave the hospital.
B. Double Diaper Method
1. Place a diaper on the child as usual.
2. Place the end of the tube into a second diaper, which is put on over the first diaper. This prevents
any bowel movements from touching the end of the tube.
3. Change one or both diapers as needed.
4. Check the tubing often so that it does not get kinked.
C. Taping the Tube
1. Replace tape when it is no longer securely in place.
2. Allow enough slack on tube so it is not pulled tightly where it enters the skin.
IRRIGATION
It may be necessary to flush tube with a special fluid to allow it to drain properly. The Physician or Nurse
will give you instructions for irrigation depending on the type of tube your child has.
BATHING
•
•
Child may take a shower.
If child takes a bath, do not put the tube under water.
MEDICATIONS
CALL THE UROLOGISTS IF YOUR CHILD HAS:
•
•
•
•
•
Fever
Abdominal (tummy) or side pain
Change in how urine looks or smells
No urine, or much less urine coming from the tube
Tube falls out – call doctor immediately
PHONE NUMBERS:
Daytime:
(215) 590-2754
Night and weekends: (215) 590-1000 and ask for Urology doctor on call.
Written: 12/85
Revised: 7/89, 12/98, 4/99, 6/02
Reviewed 5/06, 7/09
©The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 2009. Not to be copied or distributed without permission. All rights reserved.
Patient family education materials provide educational information to help individuals and families. You should not rely on this information as
professional medical advice or to replace any relationship with your physician or healthcare provider.
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