Double J Stent

 Overview-

Ureteral stents are used to maintain the openness of a ureter that has been damaged by a kidney stone or a treatment. This approach is occasionally used as a stopgap solution to prevent kidney damage until surgery to remove the stone is available. Indwelling periods of 12 months or more are recommended to keep ureters open that have been constricted by tumours in the ureter's vicinity or cancers within the ureter itself. Because these tumours are often inoperable, stents are placed to facilitate urine outflow via the ureter. The kidney might be harmed if drainage is hindered for an extended length of time.

Stents may also be placed in a ureter that has been irritated or scratched during a ureteroscopy procedure that involves the removal of a stone, sometimes referred to as a 'basket grab procedure'. Stents placed for this reason are normally left in place for about a week. These stents ensure that the ureter does not spasm and collapse after the trauma of the procedure

Why it’s done -

A variety of disorders can cause the ureters to become clogged, including

• Kidney stones

• Tumors

• Clots of blood

• Swelling after surgery

• Infection

A ureteral stent can also be used during or after urinary tract surgery to give a mould for healing, channel urine away from leaky regions, to manipulate kidney stones or prevent stones from migrating before treatment, or to make the ureters more clearly visible during surgical operations.

Surgery Procedure -

A cystoscopy, in which a thin tube is placed into the bladder to see it, an ultrasound, a computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or pyelography, in which x-rays of the urinary system are obtained after a contrast dye has been injected, can all be used to identify urinary blockage. Because the stent is placed under general anesthesia, you will most likely need to have a full health examination, including blood tests, a chest x-ray, and an ECG (EKG). Please fast for 6-8 hours before the operation, or as directed by your doctor. Please inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, as some may need to be stopped prior to the treatment.

The doctor will insert a cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder, visualizing the opening to the ureter. A thin wire is then guided through the cystoscope, up the ureter, and into the kidney. The stent is inserted over the wire. A fluoroscope, a kind of x-ray machine, may be used to position the stent. The wire and cystoscope are then removed. When it is time to remove the stent, the same method is used. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder and the stent is grasped with a small instrument and removed. You will be awake during this procedure and will only require a local anesthetic.

Risk and Complications -

• Stent removal using DJ is a safe and popular treatment. The majority of side effects are minor. Some of the issues are listed below.

• Urinary incontinence, urgency, and burning are all frequent symptoms. 

• Blood in the urine should stop passing through after 24-48 hours. If a biopsy is obtained, it is more likely to happen.

• Urinary tract infection is an uncommon occurrence that should be investigated if urinating problems persist. It's possible that antibiotics will be necessary.

• Back, bladder, groin, and penis (in men) or urethra (in women) pain (in women)

• Some women experience urine leakage.

• Dislodgement or migration of the catheter

• Stent coiling within the ureter, resulting in abdominal discomfort during urinating, urinary frequency, or blood in the urine

• Infection or a worsening of an existing infection

• Penetration of neighboring organs

• Anesthesia-related reactions

DO’s and Don’ts -

• You can resume your regular diet right away. Drink lots of fluids (water, juice, milk) throughout the day to maintain your urine flowing smoothly and avoid constipation (8 glasses).

• NO lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 10 lbs) for 4 weeks.

• NO driving a car and limit long car rides for 2 weeks.

• NO strenuous exercise, limit stair climbing to a minimum for 4 weeks.

• NO severe straining during bowel movements – take a laxative if necessary.

• DO drink plenty of fluids to keep your urine flow brisk. (This will flush out small clots as they continue to form as part of the healing process.)

• DO keep a urinal near. (You may have little warning before you need to empty your bladder. Some dribbling and poor control is normal for the first several weeks of healing.)

• Keeping your bowels regular throughout the post-operative time is crucial. To have a bowel movement, you must avoid straining. It's acceptable to have a bowel movement every other day.

Insurance Covered – Following insurances are covered for DJ Stent Surgery :

The average length of stay - entails 1-2 days in hospital & 2 weeks to fully recover

Doctors who perform URS Surgery procedure :