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Efficacy of Routine Saline Flushing in the Prevention of Nephrostomy Tube Obstructions: A Pilot Study

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Routine Saline Flushing in the Prevention of Nephrostomy Tube Obstructions: A Pilot Study

Who can join

Ages 18 to 80 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80, with planned nephrostomy tube exchange or new nephrostomy tube placement with ongoing need for a nephrostomy tube.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current local infection
* History of anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast
* Pregnant or intent to become pregnant during the study
* Irreversible coagulopathy
* Planned for definitive treatment for the clinical indication of the nephrostomy tube prior to 12-week post-intervention.
* Planned routine exchange prior to 12 weeks after nephrostomy tube exchange or placement procedure
* Complete sensory loss below T10 dermatome.

About the study

The investigators performing this research to study if routine flushing is necessary to prevent obstructions of a nephrostomy tube. This study will evaluate patients that have nephrostomy tube or will have nephrostomy tubes placed as part of their standard clinical care.

If participants agree to participate in this study, participants will undergo randomized assignment to either continue to routinely flush the nephrostomy tube with normal saline or not to routinely flush the nephrostomy tube with normal saline. Participantswill be in the study for approximately 3 months if they decide to stay for the whole study.

What is being tested

• No flushing of the nephrostomy (other)
• Flushing of nephrostomy (other)

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital · Participants: 20 · Started: Jan 1, 2026

Contact the study team

• Yan Epelboym, MD, MPH · Phone: 617-732-4763
• Austin Lai, MD · Phone: 617-732-4763

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06987877

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.