Percutaneous Nephrostomy is a medical procedure used to drain urine from the kidney. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as pərkjuténjəs nɛfrɑ́stəmi. The word is made up of two parts: percutaneous, which means "through the skin," and nephrostomy, which means "an opening into the kidney." The pronunciation of the word emphasizes the first syllable, with the emphasis placed on the second syllable of nephrostomy. This word may be challenging to spell, but accurate communication in the medical field is critical.
Percutaneous nephrostomy refers to a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a narrow, hollow tube known as a nephrostomy tube into the kidney. This procedure is performed to provide a temporary or permanent access point for urine drainage, bypassing any potential obstructions in the urinary system.
The term "percutaneous" refers to a medical procedure performed through the skin, without the need for open surgery. "Nephrostomy" specifically refers to an artificial opening created within the kidney to drain urine and relieve pressure caused by blockages.
During a percutaneous nephrostomy, a radiologist or urologist uses imaging guidance, typically from ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to accurately guide the placement of the nephrostomy tube into the kidney. This tube is usually inserted through a small incision in the flank area of the back, under local anesthesia or, in some cases, under general anesthesia.
The nephrostomy tube is connected to a drainage bag or a collection system, allowing urine to be drained externally from the body. This can be vital in cases where a kidney stone, tumor, or other urinary tract obstructions prevent the normal flow of urine, leading to kidney damage, infection, or severe pain.
Percutaneous nephrostomy is considered a relatively safe and effective procedure to relieve urinary obstructions in selected patients.
The word "percutaneous" comes from the Latin roots "per" meaning "through" and "cūtis" meaning "skin". "Nephrostomy" is derived from the Latin word "nephros" meaning "kidney" and the Greek word "stomos" meaning "mouth" or "opening".
Therefore, "percutaneous nephrostomy" combines these terms to describe a procedure where a small tube is inserted through the skin and into the kidney to create an opening for urine drainage.