Temporary Nephrostomy

Hi FloGlow . Sorry to hear your husband is in some discomfort with his stent. I've no experience of stents but hopefully someone here will be along with some advice. Best wishes.

Thank you.

Hi

I had one for about a year, with the tube being replaced every three months. I didn't really have any issues except that I had to attend a weekly dressing clinic, but my wife able to do a better job, so that was knocked on the head. Eventually they removed the kidney as it was too far gone (nothing to do with the nephrotomy). I wouldn't go for a reversal unless you've had sound medical advice.

Thank you for your kind reply.   There is  nothing wrong with the kidney - the tumour was blocking the tube into the bladder.  He is having radio therapy (13 more days to go) and it has been suggested that he will need a permanent nephrostomy in place of the temporary one.  He has also been told it could take up to 9 months for the procedure to take place.  He has has had the temporary one since 14 February and, depending on which Nurse dresses the opening, it can be very uncomfortable with chafing and "pulling" on the wound so he does not want to have to wait for 9 months if he can have it done privately.  

Kind regards

Hi

Totally understand where you're coming from, as I said, my wife used to change the bag and dressing, so it wasn't an issue. I had one infection, but by and large no problems. However, I was glad when it was finally removed.

Where did you get the dressing from for your wife to carry out the change?  One of my granddaughters is a nurse and I'm sure she would help us and save my husband a trip to the surgery each week (sometimes twice if the dressing has not been changed properly.

Hi

You can get them online, but my GP used have them on prescription along with the drainage bags. I was under University College at the time and they were more than happy for my wife to change the dressings. 

After cleaning the area you pad the opening tube with lint and then cover with a large waterproof dressing. Used to take about ten minutes in all. I doubt your Granddaughter would have any problems.

Thank you so much for the information.   We had a delivery of drainage bags when my husband arrived home from hospital and he changes that with no problem.

Kind regards

More than happy to help. Hopefully it will makes a lot easier.