Get to Know an Important Tool in Urology — Ureteral Stent

1. What is a ureteral stent?

A ureteral stent, also known as a Double-J stent (pigtail stent), is a thin and flexible tube. Although small in size, it plays an important role.

• Drainage function:It maintains ureteral patency and drains urine from the kidney to the bladder, effectively relieving ureteral obstruction and helping to alleviate pain and control infection.
• Dilation function:It helps dilate the ureter and establish a good surgical access pathway.
• Prevention of adhesion and stricture:It helps prevent adhesion and narrowing of the ureteral lumen.   

2.Where is the ureteral stent placed?

It is positioned within the ureter between the kidney and the bladder, with one end in the kidney and the other end in the bladder.

3. What should be noted after ureteral stent placement?

Get adequate rest and drink no less than 2000 ml of water daily. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy physical labor, and large bending or squatting movements to prevent stent displacement or migration.

Do not hold urine; urinate promptly to prevent urine reflux to the kidney and reduce the risk of ascending infection.

Take medications as prescribed, attend follow-up visits at the urology clinic, and remove the stent according to medical advice.

4. What should be done if hematuria occurs?

Mild hematuria is common and usually improves with increased fluid intake. If gross hematuria or blood clots appear, rest, drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and attend a follow-up visit at the urology clinic.

If the urine color does not lighten, blood clots increase, or symptoms such as difficulty urinating and lower abdominal distension or pain occur, seek medical attention promptly to avoid serious complications such as syncope or shock.

5. What should be done if urinary frequency and urgency occur?

Most patients experience urinary frequency and urgency after stent placement; these symptoms are usually tolerable.

If significant urinary frequency, urgency, and pain occur, it may indicate urinary tract infection. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and urinate promptly to help relieve symptoms. Oral medication such as tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules may also improve symptoms. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Do not reduce fluid intake because of urinary frequency or urgency, as this may worsen urinary tract infection and related symptoms.

6. What should be done if lower back pain occurs?

You may slow down the urination speed and gradually adapt to reflux-related irritation, which is usually tolerable. Drink plenty of water and urinate frequently to help prevent urinary tract infection and facilitate the passage of small blood clots and residual stone fragments. Try to minimize and avoid bladder spasms; antispasmodic medications may be taken if necessary. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

Tips:

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and remember the scheduled time for stent removal. Avoid leaving the ureteral stent in place for too long, as prolonged indwelling may lead to secondary stone formation on the stent, making removal difficult or requiring another surgical procedure, resulting in unnecessary additional surgery and financial burden.

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2. The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.