What problems can occur with a nephrostomy catheter?
A. The main problem that can occur is infection. Your nephrostomy catheter can cause two types of infection: a skin infection and a kidney infection. A skin infection can be prevented by taking good care of the skin around the catheter. If a skin infection occurs in spite of good skin care, it is usually simple to treat. A kidney infection occurs if the catheter gets blocked. A kidney infection is more serious than a skin infection, but it can be avoided. The best way to avoid a kidney infection is to have your catheter changed for a new one regularly. If your catheter gets blocked and your kidney gets infected in spite of good care, your doctors can treat the problem by changing the catheter and giving you antibiotics.
