What is a Ureteral Stent?
A ureteral stent is a small hollow plastic tube (6-7 Fr diameter, 24-30 cm length) placed inside the ureter to maintain drainage from the kidney to the bladder. One end (J-curl) rests in the kidney pelvis; the other (J-curl) sits in the bladder. Stents relieve obstruction, allow surgical sites to heal, prevent infection, and reduce pain. Typically placed for 1-4 weeks post-operatively, they are then removed via cystoscopy. Stents are essential for optimal surgical outcomes after stone removal and urological procedures.
Why Stents Are Placed
- Post-operative drainage after laser stone removal (URS)
- Post-operative drainage after PCNL
- Relief of acute ureteral obstruction (stones, strictures)
- Prevention of urinary tract infection
- Management of post-operative swelling/edema
- Post-operative hematuria management
- Retroperitoneal urine leak prevention
Stent Placement Techniques
🔄 Retrograde Approach (Most Common)
Cystoscopy under general anesthesia. Guidewire advanced through cystoscope into ureteral orifice, past obstruction into kidney pelvis. Stent threaded over guidewire into position. Fluoroscopy confirms placement. J-curls at both ends prevent migration.
⬆️ Antegrade Approach
Percutaneous tract created into kidney. Guidewire and stent advanced downward into bladder. Used when retrograde approach fails or anatomy precluded. Requires percutaneous nephrostomy tube initially.
🩺 Stent Care
Keep perineal area clean. Drink adequate fluids (2-3L daily). Monitor for fever, severe dysuria, or obstruction symptoms. Anticipate dysuria 1-2 weeks from stent irritation. Follow-up cystoscopy for scheduled removal essential.
Stent Removal
Important appointment to schedule post-operative.
- Office cystoscopy under local anesthesia
- 5-10 minute procedure, no incisions
- Stent grasped, withdrawn through cystoscope
- Bladder checked for remaining debris
- Usually same-day procedure
- Confirms obstruction resolution before removal
Complications & Management
🔴 Infection/UTI (20-30%)
Bacteria colonize stent surface. Symptoms: fever, dysuria, frequency. Prophylactic antibiotics during stent placement. Treat active infection with culture-directed antibiotics. Symptoms resolve after removal.
💧 Dysuria & Urgency
Stent irritates bladder neck causing urgency, frequency, dysuria. Occurs in 50% of patients. Anticholinergic medications may help. Improves 1-2 weeks post-removal.
⚠️ Stent Migration
Stent slips into bladder or ureter if curls inadequate. Cystoscopy retrieval and re-positioning. Rare if properly positioned initially.
🔧 Encrustation
Mineral/bacterial biofilm coats stent surface. Occurs with prolonged stent >4 weeks. Prevention: stent removal on schedule. Difficult removal requires fragmentation or dissolution therapy.
Why Choose Charak?
🏆
Expert Placement
Experienced urologists ensure proper stent positioning.
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Low Complication Rate
Excellent technique minimizes migration and encrustation.
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Affordable Pricing
₹5,000-₹15,000. Insurance accepted.
🏅
NABH Accredited
Highest safety standards.
FAQ
Hollow plastic tube placed in ureter to maintain drainage from kidney to bladder. Relieves obstruction, prevents infection, allows swelling to resolve post-operatively.
Post-operative drainage after stone surgery, relief of obstruction, prevention of UTI, post-operative swelling management.
Retrograde approach via cystoscopy: guidewire advanced through obstruction, stent threaded over wire. Antegrade approach: percutaneous tract with stent placement under fluoroscopy.
Typically 1-4 weeks. Longer stents cause encrustation, migration, infection. Schedule removal 1-4 weeks post-operatively.
UTI, dysuria, urgency, migration, encrustation. Usually resolve after removal.
Placement: ₹5,000-₹10,000. Removal: ₹2,000-₹5,000. Insurance covered.
📍 Charak Hospital, Lucknow – 226003.
