Ureteral Stent Placement: An Essential Procedure for Urinary Tract Drainage
The ureter is a narrow muscular tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder. A ureteral stent is a device inserted into the ureter to provide support and internal drainage, helping to maintain or restore ureteral patency. We have briefly introduced this device in a previous article.
As shown in the figure below, a Double-J stent has one end positioned in the renal pelvis and the other in the bladder. Because both ends are curled and resemble a pig’s tail, it is also known as a pigtail stent. Like a bridge, it connects one end of the urinary tract to the other.
Ureteral stent placement is one of the most commonly used adjunctive procedures in urological surgery. It is widely employed to relieve or prevent ureteral obstruction caused by urinary stones, ureteral strictures, malignancies of the genitourinary system, kidney transplantation, and other conditions that result in intrinsic or extrinsic ureteral blockage.
The stent can be placed under cystoscopic guidance over a guidewire, or it can be inserted during other urological surgical procedures.
Management of Hematuria and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
For patients experiencing mild symptoms, reassure them and advise increased fluid intake, with a daily intake of more than 2,000 mL. Patients should adjust their body position as needed, reduce physical activity, and obtain adequate bed rest. They should also be instructed to monitor the color and volume of hematuria. If symptoms become significant, the physician should be informed so that appropriate hemostatic or antispasmodic treatment can be provided, or the position of the Double-J stent can be adjusted under cystoscopic guidance.
Management of Urine Reflux
Patients should be advised to avoid any factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Constipation should be prevented, and activities such as forceful coughing, strenuous exercise, and straining during urination should be avoided. Regular bladder emptying is recommended, and patients should avoid holding urine for prolonged periods.
Management of Double-J Stent Migration or Retention
Patients should minimize bending movements while the stent is in place and avoid activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Simultaneous stretching of the upper limbs and abdominal muscles should also be avoided. Personal belongings should be arranged conveniently to reduce the need for bending, climbing, or performing heavy physical labor. Distal migration of the Double-J stent through the urethral meatus may increase the risk of urinary tract infection. If stent displacement or extrusion is detected, patients and their family members should be reassured, provided with appropriate explanations, and the physician should be notified promptly for stent repositioning or removal. Patients should also be informed of their follow-up schedule and encouraged to attend regular examinations to prevent prolonged stent retention.
Prevention and Management of Infection
Patients should undergo routine urinalysis and complete blood count (CBC) testing as recommended. They should follow medical advice regarding the appropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Good personal hygiene should be maintained, with special attention to keeping the urethral opening and perineal area clean and dry. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber is recommended, along with moderate physical activity to enhance immune function. For patients with fever, physical cooling measures or antipyretic medications may be used as prescribed. Body temperature and associated symptoms should be closely monitored, the patient's bedding should be kept clean and dry, and all prescribed treatments should be carried out in cooperation with the healthcare team.
Disclaimer
Some of the content in this article comes from online sources. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.
The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.