Nephrostomy and biliary tubes are drainage catheters that are placed into the renal collecting system or biliary tree and assist in draining urine or bile, respectively. The most common indication for nephrostomy or biliary tubes is obstruction of the renal collecting system or biliary tree. Obstruction can occur for several reasons such as calculi, stones, malignancy, strictures or abscess. Other indications for nephrostomy tubes include access to the genitourinary system or diversion.

Contents

• CONTEXT AND POLICY ISSUES
• RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• KEY FINDINGS
• METHODS
  • Literature Search Strategy
  • Selection Criteria and Methods
  • Exclusion Criteria
• SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
  • Quantity of Research Available
  • Summary of Findings
  • Limitations
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION OR POLICY MAKING
• REFERENCES
• APPENDIX 1 Selection of Included Studies
• APPENDIX 2 Summary of Clinical Care Pathways & Patient Information Sheets