Nephrostomy Set

The nephrostomy set includes a catheter (tube), guidewire, syringe, and accessories, all provided in a single package. The nephrostomy catheter is typically made from durable, biocompatible materials and features a unique design at the tip that prevents it from unintentionally exiting the kidney. These catheters come in various types, chosen based on the patient’s needs and the treatment method.

Two common types of nephrostomy catheters are Pigtail and Malecot, each with its own distinctive features:

Pigtail Catheter:

The Pigtail catheter is characterized by its coiled (looped) structure at the end. This spiral design effectively prevents the catheter from exiting the kidney unintentionally. This type of catheter is primarily used for patients requiring long-term drainage. The Pigtail’s loop structure easily fits into the kidney and reduces pressure on surrounding tissue, providing greater comfort for the patient.

Malecot Catheter:

The Malecot catheter has several fins or projections at its tip, which expand like an umbrella. These fins help the catheter stay in place and prevent it from moving out of the kidney. This type of catheter is especially effective for draining thicker fluids (such as pus and infected discharge) and is used in short-term situations or when rapid drainage is required.

The main difference between these two types of catheters lies in their structure and how they secure themselves in the kidney. The Pigtail catheter, with its coiled tip, is better suited for continuous and long-term drainage, while the Malecot catheter, with its fin design, offers faster and more efficient drainage for thicker fluids and is typically used for short-term applications or infection treatment.

Nephrostomy catheters are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 14 French (Fr). The appropriate size is chosen based on the patient’s condition and the type of obstruction. Smaller sizes are used for urine drainage, while larger sizes are used for draining thicker fluids or pus.

With a range of Pigtail and Malecot catheters, the nephrostomy set is a highly practical and effective tool in treating urinary tract obstructions, offering a variety of sizes that can be selected to meet the patient’s needs. This tool aids in reducing kidney pressure and facilitating drainage, contributing significantly to the improvement of the patient’s condition.