Home Care of Urinary Drainage Tubes

Important information: Types of Tubes

  1. Nephrostomy tube: A tube placed into the kidney to drain urine out of the kidney into a collection bag or device. The tube is stitched into place and taped to the skin.

  2. Ureteral stent/tube: A tube placed into one or both ureters to drain urine, splint ureters, to help healing, or to prevent blockage from swelling after surgery.

  3. Supra-pubic tube: A tube placed through the abdomen into the bladder. It keeps the bladder empty and reduces pulling on the wound.

  4. Urethral tube/catheter: A tube placed through the urethra into the bladder. It Keeps bladder empty and to reduces pulling on the wound.

Patient instructions for tube management:

Drainage bag method

The drainage bag (either leg or bedside type) should always be lower than where the tube is inserted into the body. Practice hooking up the drainage bags before you leave the hospital.

  • Daytime – Connect tube to a small drainage bag attached to the leg. A piece of stockinette or sock can be placed on the leg first for comfort with the rubber straps.

  • Nighttime – Connect tube to a bedside drainage bag. Check the tubing to make sure there are no kinks.

Double diaper method

  • Place a diaper on your child.

  • Place the end of the tube into a second diaper. Put this diaper over the first diaper. This prevents any bowel movements from touching the end of the tube.

  • Change one or both diapers as needed.

  • Check the tubing often to make sure it is not kinked. 

Taping the tube

  • Replace tape when not secured to the skin.

  • Allow enough slack on the tube so that it does not pull where the tube enters the body.

Irrigation

It may be necessary to flush the tube with a special fluid to allow it to drain properly. The healthcare team will give you instructions for irrigation depending on the type of tube your child has.

Bathing

  • Your child may take a shower.

  • If your child takes a bath, do not put the tube under water.

Contact your urology team with questions, concerns, or if: 

  • Your child has a fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) by mouth or 102.5°F (39°C) rectally. 

  • Your child has stomach or side pain

  • There is a change in color or odor of urine

  • There is no urine, or a decrease in urine draining into the bag

  • Your child’s tube falls out, call your healthcare team immediately

Division of Urology

Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm: 215-590-2754 

Weekends, Evenings, Holidays: 215-590-1000. Ask to speak with the urology provider on call.

 

Reviewed February 2024 by Jennifer Kirk, CRNP