What Do You Know About Stents That Save and Protect the Kidney?

1. Understanding the Ureteral Stent
   A ureteral stent, also known as a double-J (DJ) stent or “pig-tail” stent, has curved ends resembling the shape of the letter “J” or a pig’s tail. It is a thin, soft tube with one end placed in the renal pelvis and the other in the bladder. Although small in size, it plays an important role — supporting the ureter, ensuring smooth urine drainage, assisting in stone passage, and helping prevent ureteral narrowing, obstruction, and infection.

Having a ureteral stent in place does not affect daily life or work, but strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor should be avoided.

How long is the stent usually left in place?
Typically, it remains for 2–4 weeks. If there is ureteral stricture, it may be left for 4–8 weeks or longer.

Is it normal for urine to appear red after stent placement?
During the stent period, light pink urine is normal. However, bright red urine is abnormal. Postoperative hematuria usually resolves within one week. It is recommended to rest in bed and drink plenty of water — 2000–3000 ml per day (about 4–6 bottles of mineral water).

2. Key Points During the Stent Period

Common symptoms during stent placement may include urinary urgency, frequent urination, mild flank or abdominal discomfort, and hematuria. Urinary frequency and urgency are related to bladder irritation caused by the curved end of the stent, while flank discomfort may result from urine reflux.

Recommended measures:

1. Eat a light diet.
   Reduce spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to minimize urinary tract irritation.
2. Avoid strenuous activities.
   Activities such as running, jumping, cycling, sudden squatting, and excessive bending should be avoided.
3. Drink plenty of water.
   Do not hold urine. Drinking enough water can reduce symptoms, help prevent infections, and minimize sediment formation in the urine.

If you experience fever, severe hematuria, or intense flank pain, seek medical attention immediately.

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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.