Should You Flush a Nephrostomy Tube?

If blockage is suspected it was recommended that nephrostomy tubes be irrigated or flushed using gentle force with normal saline or sterile water using sterile or aseptic technique. Two documents stated that hand washing before and after flushing the nephrostomy tube is essential and sterile gloves should be worn.

How often should you flush a nephrostomy tube?

You will flush the drain with 5–10cc of sterile saline daily as instructed. Flushing the drain will help keep the tube functioning properly. Turn the three-way stopcock off to the drainage bag.

Can you flush a nephrostomy tube?

Do not try to flush your nephrostomy tube unless instructed to by your doctor. The end of the catheter is placed in the renal pelvis of your kidney. The renal pelvis holds 5 to 10 ML (milliliters) of fluid. Only 5 ML of saline is used to flush the catheter.