Routine saline flushing to prevent nephrostomy tube obstructions
Official title: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Routine Saline Flushing in the Prevention of Nephrostomy Tube Obstructions: A Pilot Study
Run by Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06987877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06987877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.