Urinary obstruction can be a presentation of a benign or serious condition. In either case, it requires medical attention as it may lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
CIRA interventional radiologists are highly skilled at placement of a urinary drain, which provides a way for a patient’s urine to leave the body. Urinary drainage is accomplished through the use of a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter. During the procedure, a needle is placed into the kidney using ultrasound guidance. Then, using X-ray guidance, the interventional radiologist places a wire into the ureter; a drainage catheter is put in place and accurately positioned. A drain is then secured in position and connected to a urine collection bag. The entire procedure takes less than an hour, and patients are discharged within a few hours.