A ureteral stentt is a thin tubing that is inserted to the ureter with the goal of preventing leaks and obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney and all the way out. The normal length of a ureteral stent in adults can vary from 24 to about 30 cm. It comes in different diameters or gauges just to fit inside various ureter types.
The ureteral stent is inserted through with the help of a cytoscope. One or sometimes both ends of the ureteral stent can be coiled up just to prevent it from moving out of place.
A ureteral stent is used to guarantee the patency of every ureter, which at times will be caused by various factors, including the kidney stone. The method is sometimes used for temporary measure to avoid damaging a blocked kidney, until a serious stone removal procedure can finally be performed. The ureteral stent may also be placed in an irritated ureter, or if it was scratched during ureteroscopy procedures involving stone removal. In some cases, this is called a “basket grab” procedure. The ureteral stent placed can be left on for about seven days. It will ensure that the ureter will not collapse due to the trauma that comes into effect after the procedure.
Uses of Ureteral Stent
The main concerns and complications regarding the use of the ureteral stent are infection, dislocation and a possible blockage due to encrustation. Just recently, heparin-coated stents were welcomed just to help reduce the encrustation and eventual infection that is caused by a ureteral stent exchange.
Complications can also come in the form of frequent urination, having blood in the urine or urine leakage, bladder, kidney and groin pain during or after urination and more. These will disappear after the removal of the ureteral stent.
A ureteral stent usually comes with a thread that used for its removal. It will pass through the urethra and will remain outside the body. This thread can particularly cause an annoying irritation to the urethra. The risks may even be greater for those born with hypospadias and other similar conditions that can require corrective surgery. It is in everybody’s interest that the thread is never pulled out abruptly, which will only dislodge the ureteral stent.
While the ureteral stent is in place, a patient may go ahead with his normal daily activities. But it will be another story when strenuous activity will be included. It could cause serious discomforts. It would be best to proceed going about things normally. Sexual activity may also be possible with the ureteral stent on, but the thread itself will hinder the act significantly.
The thread of a ureteral stent can be removed in just a matter of seconds by careful pulling. Nurses are best qualified to do it, even though patients can do it themselves. Constant and steady force should be applied during the removal just to avoid starting and stopping. Urine leaks may also happen during removal; that is why it would be best to put something under the patient.
A diagram of a Ureteral Stent.