The procedure of percutaneous nephrostomy placement is a vital medical treatment designed to drain urine directly from the kidney in situations where the natural urinary tracts are blocked. Normally, urine is produced in the kidney and flows through the ureter to the urinary bladder. When there is a blockage in the ureter, for example due to kidney stones, tumors in the abdomen or pelvis pressing on the urinary tract, or various strictures, urine accumulates inside the kidney. This accumulation causes dilation of the renal pelvis (hydronephrosis), increased pressure on the kidney tissue, and in many cases, acute infection. Without rapid drainage, the pressure and infection can lead to irreversible damage to kidney function and even be life-threatening.

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The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist in a dedicated room, under the guidance of advanced imaging means such as ultrasound or X-ray fluoroscopy. The patient usually lies on their stomach, and after local anesthesia of the skin in the flank area and administration of sedation, the physician inserts a fine needle through the skin and back muscles directly into the renal pelvis. With the help of the needle, a thin guidewire is inserted, over which a flexible drainage tube (catheter) is passed, its tip coiling inside the kidney to prevent it from coming out. The external end of the tube is connected to an external urine collection bag attached to the patient's body. The procedure allows bypassing the blockage and providing immediate relief to the kidney, until the primary cause of the blockage can be treated.