What complications could i have if i get a nephrostomy tube?

Mostly infection: A nephrostomy tube drains urine directly from the kidney to an external bag. The most common complications are infections of the tube. Other problems can be pain at the skin site or in the kidney, blockage of the tube that requires replacement or bleeding with initial placement.

Infection and pain: Nephrostomy tubes are used to allow drainage of urine from the kidney if there is an obstruction preventing urine from draining through the ureters and bladder. The main risks of a nephrostomy tube are bleeding from the procedure, infection and pain where the tube sits. An alternative may be a ureteral stent. The pros & cons should be discussed with your OB and urologist.

Bleeding: Bleeding, ureter damage, infection, and puncture of unintended structure are complications of nephrostomy. That said, the procedure is safe and I have performed hundreds of them.