Some Observations on Temporary Drainage of the Kidney

Temporary drainage may be necessary for the success of an operation, as, e.g., a plastic operation on a hydronephrosis. It may, however, also be used as an aid to recovery of function by a damaged kidney; its use in these cases is not a necessity but is an optional point in technique.The method of drainage should be simple to adjust at the time of the operation, easy to control during the post-operative period, and one which causes no damage to the kidney when the drainage tube is removed. The technique of such a method is described. Some difficulties in operative technique, and in post-operative management, are considered, and the normal course of drainage in these cases is outlined.An additional point in favour of the method is that it can be used both in those cases in which drainage is necessary and in the others where it is not; and the experience gained by overcoming difficulties and complications in those cases where drainage is not of vital importance is of the greatest possible use in establishing a good technique for those cases in which failure of the drainage system would imperil the success of the operation.