What Is a Kidney Stent?
A kidney stent is a small, flexible medical device placed within the urinary system. It functions as a temporary internal drain, maintaining unobstructed urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.
This thin, hollow tube is typically made from flexible plastic or silicone. The most common type is a double J stent, named for its J-shaped curves at both ends. These curves anchor the stent, with one end in the kidney and the other in the bladder, preventing migration. The stent allows urine to bypass any blockage in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Why a Kidney Stent is Needed
Kidney stents primarily relieve or prevent ureter blockages that impede urine flow from the kidney. A frequent reason for placement is kidney stones, which can lodge in the ureter, causing pain and potential kidney damage. A stent bypasses the stone, allowing urine to drain while the stone passes or is treated.
Stents are also used for ureter narrowing, known as a stricture, which can result from scar tissue, inflammation, or external compression. Tumors, within the urinary tract or nearby organs, can also obstruct the ureter. In some cases, a stent is placed after kidney or ureter surgery to promote healing and prevent swelling from blocking urine flow.
How Kidney Stents Are Placed
Stent insertion is typically an outpatient procedure performed in a hospital or surgical center. Patients usually receive general anesthesia or sedation. The urologist uses a cystoscope, a thin, lighted instrument, inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
Once in the bladder, the urologist locates the ureter opening. A guide wire is advanced through the ureter into the kidney under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. The stent is threaded over this guide wire and positioned in the ureter. The guide wire is then removed, leaving the stent in place.
Living with a Kidney Stent
Individuals often experience various sensations and side effects while a kidney stent is in place. Discomfort is common, ranging from a mild ache to more noticeable pain, especially during urination. This pain often results from the stent irritating the bladder or kidney. Frequent urination and a strong urge to urinate are also common symptoms.
Blood in the urine, particularly after physical activity, is a temporary side effect. Bladder spasms, a cramping sensation in the lower abdomen, can also occur. Symptoms are often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications for bladder spasms. Staying hydrated can help dilute urine and reduce irritation.
Removing a Kidney Stent
Stent removal is generally simpler than insertion and often performed in an outpatient clinic. Removal timing depends on the reason for placement, but stents typically remain for weeks to several months. Prolonged stent placement can lead to complications like encrustation, infection, or discomfort.
For removal, a cystoscope is used, inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The urologist uses a small grasping tool, passed through the cystoscope, to pull the stent out. Some stents have an external string, allowing patients to remove them at home under specific doctor instructions. This self-removal option is for certain stent types and requires careful guidance.