Routine saline flushing to prevent nephrostomy tube obstructions
Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Routine Saline Flushing in the Prevention of Nephrostomy Tube Obstructions: A Pilot Study
This pilot will try routine saline flushing versus no routine flushing in adults with nephrostomy tubes to see if flushing prevents tube obstructions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06987877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this randomized pilot, adults receiving a new or exchanged percutaneous nephrostomy tube are assigned to either routine saline flushing or no routine flushing and followed for about 12 weeks. The study compares rates of tube obstruction and unplanned returns for catheter care or exchange between the two groups. Participants are adults aged 18–80 who have an ongoing need for a nephrostomy and meet standard safety exclusions. The trial is single-center at Brigham and Women's Hospital and is designed to generate preliminary data to guide larger studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults age 18–80 with a new nephrostomy tube placement or planned routine exchange and an ongoing need for the tube, who meet safety criteria, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with a short expected nephrostomy duration (planned definitive treatment or exchange within 12 weeks), current local infection, pregnancy, irreversible coagulopathy, or complete sensory loss below T10 are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could reduce tube obstructions and decrease the need for extra procedures and associated risks.
How similar studies have performed: Although routine flushing is commonly practiced, there is no published evidence proving its effectiveness, so controlled data are limited and the approach is relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yan Epelboym, MD, MPH — Mgb
- Study coordinator: Yan Epelboym, MD, MPH
- Email: yepelboym@bwh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-732-4763
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.