Kidney stones are hard, crystallized deposits that form within the kidneys, often composed of minerals and acid salts. These stones can cause significant problems when they move from the kidney into the urinary tract, potentially blocking the flow of urine. To address the complications arising from these blockages, a small, hollow tube known as a kidney stent is sometimes used.
Why a Stent is Necessary for Kidney Stones
A primary reason for placing a kidney stent is to relieve an obstruction within the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. When a kidney stone blocks this pathway, urine can back up into the kidney, a condition known as hydronephrosis. The stent keeps the ureter open, allowing urine to bypass the stone and drain properly from the kidney into the bladder.
Alleviating this obstruction reduces the severe pain associated with kidney stone blockages. For smaller stones, the stent can also help widen the ureter, making it easier for the stone to pass naturally into the bladder. This widening can be particularly helpful for stones that are nearly, but not quite, able to pass on their own.
Stents are also used in conjunction with medical procedures for kidney stones. They may be placed before a procedure, such as ureteroscopy or lithotripsy, to dilate the ureter, making it easier for instruments to access the stone. Following these procedures, a stent ensures proper drainage and prevents swelling or scar tissue from re-obstructing the ureter while the body heals. Ensuring proper urine drainage is also important for preserving kidney function.
How a Stent Works
A kidney stent is a thin, flexible tube, made from a biocompatible plastic, designed to remain inside the body for a period. It features small coils or pigtails at both ends. One coil rests within the kidney, while the other coil sits inside the bladder.
These coiled ends secure the stent in place. The stent’s presence props open the ureter, creating a channel for urine to flow from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing any blockages caused by stones or swelling. The stent also allows small stone fragments, resulting from procedures like lithotripsy, to pass more easily along with the urine.
Living with a Kidney Stone Stent
Living with a kidney stone stent can involve common symptoms. Patients may experience bladder irritation, leading to increased urinary urgency or frequency. Some individuals may notice blood in their urine or experience flank discomfort or pain on the side where the stent is placed. These sensations are temporary and normal.
Most daily activities can be resumed with a stent in place, though strenuous physical activity might exacerbate discomfort or cause more noticeable blood in the urine. Maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to help with urine flow and irritation. Medical professionals will provide specific instructions regarding activity levels and any necessary care.
Kidney stents are temporary devices and require removal once their purpose is served, usually within a few days to several weeks. Removal can be performed in an outpatient setting by a urologist, using a cystoscope to grasp and withdraw the stent. In some cases, a string attached to the stent allows for removal by the patient at home, as directed by their doctor.