Care of Nephrostomy Tube(s) and Drainage Bags

Care of Nephrostomy Tube(s) and Drainage Bags 

Read the following instructions before you begin. Perform your 

tube care the way the nurses showed you. 

• Care of the nephrostomy tube is done to keep the tube clean and help 

prevent infections. 

• The leg and night drainage bags are cleaned every day to help prevent 

germs and odors from forming. 

• WASH YOUR HANDS before and after cleaning the nephrostomy 

tube(s), emptying the bags and changing the bags. 

• Use the leg bag during the day and the night drainage bag at night. 

• To clean the bag(s), use only warm, soapy water. Use mild liquid bath 

soap such as Ivory or Dove. Wash the bag(s) before storing for the next 

use. 

• Rinse the bag well and hang the bag upside down. Leave the clamped 

end opened to dry. 

• Keep the bag lower than your waist when in bed (as well as at other 

times). This will keep the tube draining properly. Keep the night drainage 

bag off the floor. Attach it to the side of the bed or place it on a chair 

beside the bed. Arrange the bag(s) so there will be no pulling on the 

tube(s). 

• Empty the bag(s) when they become ½ or more filled. 

• Drink plenty of liquids. 

Care of Nephrostomy/FK4.5/September 06/page 1 of 3/UMMCGCC

Changing Nephrostomy Tube Site Dressings 

Dressing changes are done to keep the area where the tube enters your body 

clean and free of infections. The dressing changes can be managed at home 

with the help of a family member or friend. 

You should continue to use a dressing around the tube until the site has healed 

and is no longer leaking. This may last for several months. 

1. WASH YOUR HANDS before and after changing the dressing. 

2. Prepare a clean work space. Wash a table top and dry it. Rewash your 

hands. Cover the table with a clean paper towel. 

3. Place your supplies on the table and open the gauze pads, the betadine, 

and the tape. 

4. Remove the old dressing 

5. Check the old dressing for puss. Use a mirror to see where the tube 

comes out of your body. Check for changes in the color of the skin and 

drainage around the tube site. Check for a foul smell. 

• Let the nurse or doctor know if you have puss, a change in the 

color of drainage, more drainage than usual or a foul smell. 

6. Place the old dressing in a plastic bag and throw it away. 

7. Clean the area around the tube with betadine and wait for the betadine to 

dry. After the area has healed and the stitches have been removed you 

may use a mild soap and a clean wash cloth to clean the area. Once the 

area has healed, you may take a shower. 

• Do not take a tub bath or go swimming 

8. Place the clean gauze around the tube and tape securely. 

• IMPORTANT: Be sure the tube is securely taped to the skin. 

This will help prevent the tube from being pulled out. 

9. Never use lotion, oils, or other skin care products on the tube or on the 

skin around the tube. 


CALL THE DOCTOR ___________________________at this 

number__________________________if: 

1. You develop a temperature of 100.4 degree or higher. 

2. You notice an increase in the amount of drainage from around the tube(s). 

3. You see pus around the tube. 

4. You develop a change in the way your urine smells. 

5. You develop blood or blood clots in your urine. 

6. You have low back pain. 

7. The tube does not drain. 

8. Call the doctor immediately if the tube falls out.

Care of Nephrostomy Tube(s) and Drainage Bags

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