A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube placed within the ureter, which is the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. Its main purpose is to keep the ureter open, allowing urine to flow freely from the kidney to the bladder. Made from materials like silicone or polyurethane, these tubes are designed to line the ureter’s length. The stent typically has coiled ends, one in the kidney and the other in the bladder, to keep it securely in place.
Reasons for Placement
Ureteral stents address blockages or narrowing within the ureter, which can impede urine flow and potentially harm the kidney. Kidney stones are a frequent reason for placement, as they can obstruct the ureter, leading to urine backup and discomfort. A stent can bypass the stone, allowing urine to drain.
Stents are also inserted for ureteral strictures, areas where the ureter has narrowed due to scar tissue or inflammation. Stents hold these sections open, ensuring continuous urine drainage. Stents are also placed after certain surgical procedures, such as kidney stone removal, to manage postoperative swelling and facilitate healing. This prevents temporary blockages as the body recovers.
Insertion Procedure
Ureteral stent insertion is generally a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed by a urologist. Patients often receive general anesthesia or sedation for comfort. The urologist inserts a thin, flexible instrument called a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder.
Guided by imaging techniques like fluoroscopy, a guidewire is threaded through the cystoscope into the ureter towards the kidney. The stent is maneuvered over this guidewire into position. Once in place, the guidewire and cystoscope are removed, leaving the stent to ensure proper urine drainage. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Living with a Stent
Patients with a ureteral stent may experience several symptoms due to its presence. Common sensations include bladder irritation, an increased urge to urinate, and more frequent urination. Some individuals might feel mild pain or discomfort in their back, groin, or pelvic area, which can worsen during physical activity or urination. Traces of blood in the urine are also common, ranging from light pink to reddish.
To manage these symptoms, drinking plenty of water, at least 2 liters daily, helps dilute the urine, reduce irritation, and lower the risk of infection. Avoiding drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners may help minimize bladder irritation. While normal activities can be resumed, strenuous physical activity like heavy lifting or intense exercise might increase discomfort or blood in the urine, so limiting such activities is advised. Over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes prescribed medications like alpha-blockers, can help alleviate pain and bladder spasms.
Removing the Stent
Ureteral stents are temporary and removed once no longer needed. The duration a stent remains in place varies, ranging from a few days to several weeks, or even months, depending on the medical condition. Removal can often be done in a doctor’s office, usually without general anesthesia.
For removal, a urologist inserts a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder. Using small clamps, the stent is grasped and pulled out. Some stents have a string attached outside the body, allowing for simpler removal by pulling the string, sometimes even by the patient at home. The process is generally quick, lasting only a few minutes.