Benefits Of Ureteral Stent Placement
Insertion of a Ureteral stent gives the following important benefits-
- Kidney stent helps in draining the urine from kidney of a patient
- Kidney stent helps in healing of the urinary tract
- Kidney stent is beneficial in reducing swelling in both kidney and urethra areas
- Kidney stent reduces the risk related to a few severe complications, which include ureter blockage because of blood clot, stone fragment or stone and swelling problem.
Are There Any Restrictions
Your doctor will let you know if you have any restrictions following urinary stent placement.
Typically, you can perform most activities, work, and even sexual activity with a stent in place, providing it doesnt cause you great discomfort to do so.
There is one exception: when you have a stent with an extraction string. This is a special stent designed so you can remove the stent yourself after its been in place for a certain amount of time.
Stents with strings have a slightly higher rate of dislodgment. Avoid sexual activity while you have one in place to prevent dislodging the stent.
According to a 2015 study , people with stent strings also reported a bit more sleep disturbances than people who had stents without strings.
When you sleep, make sure the string is in a place where you can locate it easily. Sometimes, your doctor will tape the strings down to your leg or groin until you remove it.
Stent-related irritation can cause a lot of different symptoms including discomfort. Examples include:
- visible blood in urine
- incontinence, or loss of control over urine
- pain when urinating
Ideally, these symptoms will subside within a few days after the stent placement when youre more used to the stents presence.
A urinary stents presence can increase the risks of a urinary tract infection . Call your doctor if you experience some of the following symptoms, as they can indicate you may have an infection:
What Are Ureteral Stents
Ureteral stents are thin, flexible tubes that hold ureters open. The ureters are part of the urinary system. Typically, these long, thin tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Healthcare providers place ureteral stents to prevent or treat ureteral obstructions.
Silicone or polyurethane ureteral stents are about 10 to 15 inches long and about ¼ inch in diameter. They line the entire length of the ureter, keeping it open. The top part of the stent has a coil that sits inside a kidney. The loop at the lower end sits inside the bladder.
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What Is A Kidney Stent
Rarely, a healthcare provider cant place a ureteral stent due to scarring or other problems. You may need a nephrostomy instead. To perform nephrostomy, a radiologist inserts a stent directly into a kidney. The kidney stent drains urine from the kidney into a bag outside of the body, bypassing the ureters and bladder.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Ureteral stenting is an effective way to allow painful kidney stones to pass through the ureters and out of the body. Ureteral stents for kidney stones and ureteral stones are temporary. Some people need ureteral stents longer to keep narrowed ureters open. A ureteral stent can be uncomfortable and even slightly painful. Your healthcare provider can suggest ways to ease discomfort until its time to remove the stent.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/25/2021.
References
What To Expect From A Ureteral Stent
Ureteral stents are an implant used to correct a blockage in one of the ureters in your body. The ureters are tubes that allow urine to drain from the kidneys and enter the bladder. When blockages occur, urine backs up in the kidneys, which causes swelling that can lead to permanent kidney damage if left unaddressed.
Blockages can be caused by kidney stones, a tumor or other object pressing on the ureters, or scar tissue that develops in the ureters. A ureteral stent is a thin tube inserted into the ureters to open the passage and allow urine to properly drain from the kidneys.
If your doctor decides this implant is necessary to preserve your kidneys health, youll want to be prepared for what to expect once the stent is implanted and after the stent is removed.
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How Long Am I Going To Have The Stent In Place
The length of time the stent will remain inside your ureter depends on the reason it was placed. They should only be removed in the timeframe recommended by your physician, not any sooner or later.
- Pre-stone treatment usually a week or two prior to surgery
- Post- stone treatment
- After a simple ureteroscopy where the stone and any fragments were removed: 2-3 days
- After Lithotripsy : 7-14 days.
Stent Removal After Kidney Stone Laser
Similar to ureteral stones, kidney stones can be fragmented and removed with baskets. Occasionally, a kidney stone will fragment with a laser into very small. Jun 26, 2011 · In most patients, stent removal is a relief as their stent discomfort goes away. However, in some patients, severe pain may occur for several hours.
The stent is usually removed after a few days to a few weeks depending on the particular circumstances. Ureteric stents cannot stay in the body indefinitely (.
Following URS, clinicians may omit ureteral stenting in patients meeting all of the.
Index Patient 12: Adult, renal stone with pain and no obstruction.
The ureteral stent is typically removed in the office, usually within 1-2 weeks after the procedure but may be left for longer after complex procedures. If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421. Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board certified urologist in NYC who.
If you have had a stent inserted after kidney stone surgery, it is temporary and only needed for a short period of time. There are two main methods for removal. For most patients, the stent will only stay in place for 5-7 days. Is a stent necessary after kidney stone removal? The routine placement of a ureteral catheter or stent following.
The stent removal does not hurt at all, I removed mine myself. The after effect of bladder spasms and kidney pain had me going back to the emergency room.
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How To Prepare For Kidney Stone Surgery
When we meet with you, we will give you specific instructions to prepare for your surgery. They may include the following.
- Stop smoking, if you smoke, well in advance of surgery.
- Stop taking certain medications that can make it hard for your blood to clot, such as blood thinners like Coumadin, Plavix, Xarellto, and the like.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery.
- Make sure you have someone to drive you home after your procedure.
We may also place a stent in your ureter up to a few weeks prior to your surgery. This stent, which is completely internal, allows your ureter to dilate or enlarge and makes stone removal easier. Stents may also relieve acute pain from a stone, enable any infection to drain, and allow antibiotic treatment before surgery.
Changes In Your Lifestyle
Even if you have a low risk of forming another stone, your doctor and nurse will advise you to make some lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes may include:
- Increasing fluid intake: Drink 2.5-3.0 litres per day to neutralise the pH of your urine
- Adopting a balanced diet with less meat and alcohol and more vegetables and fibre to have normal calcium levels and less intake of animal proteins
- Maintaining a healthy weight and adequate physical activity
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Purpose Of Kidney Stone Surgery
The purpose of kidney stone surgery is to remove a stone in order to reduce symptoms and/or reverse a medical condition associated with the presence of the stone .
Specific indications for kidney stone surgery include:
- Ureteral stones greater than 10 mm
- Uncomplicated distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm that have not passed after four to six weeks of observation
- Symptomatic kidney stones without any other explanation for the patients pain
- Ureteral or kidney stones in pregnant women that have not passed after an observation period
- Persistent kidney obstruction related to stones
- Recurrent urinary tract infections linked to stones
Aside from the above indications, emergency surgery to remove a kidney stone may be warranted in the following cases:
- If the flow of urine from both kidneys is blocked and there is acute kidney injury
- If a patient has acute kidney injury from an obstructing stone and only one functioning kidney
- If a patient has an obstructing stone and a urinary tract infection
What Happens After Kidney Stone Removal And Stent Placement
You may have a small amount of blood in your urine for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. While the stent is in place, you may have to urinate more often, feel a sudden need to urinate, or feel like you cannot completely empty your bladder. You may feel some pain when you urinate or do strenuous activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Lithotripsy
- Where are your SWL services available?
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We offer SWL services at our Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital locations
- Why should I choose SWL?
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SWL is an outpatient procedure, and one of the preferred treatments for small- to medium-sized stones. It is considered a safe and effective procedure with an excellent track record. As it is an outpatient procedure, you will be home just a few hours after the procedure. Recovery is generally very rapid.
- Does SWL have any limitations?
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As with any technology, there are limitations. Certain types of stones are very hard and resistant to breakage with shockwaves. Other, less common stones are invisible on X-ray, which means that they cannot be targeted for treatment. Therefore, if you have a history of cystine, monohydrate or uric acid stones, SWL may not be the best treatment for you.
Also, very large stones or stones that have traveled into the lower part of the urinary tract may be better treated by other methods. There are also some patient factors, including other medical conditions, which may affect your suitability for SWL. For instance, patients who are on blood-thinning medications or who may be pregnant should not undergo SWL procedures.
- Is SWL associated with any side effects?
- How can I make an appointment to discuss SWL with a Washington University urologist?
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Please call 362-8200 to schedule an appointment at any of our clinic locations.
About Your Ureters And Ureteral Stent
Your ureters are tubes inside your body that drain urine from your kidneys to your bladder. If one of your ureters is blocked, your urine wont drain properly. When this happens, your kidney fills with urine and swells. This is called hydronephrosis. It can be caused by a tumor pushing on your ureter, kidney stones, or scar tissue. If your kidney remains blocked for a long period of time, it can become damaged. If both of your ureters are blocked, this will cause both of your kidneys to become weak and can place you at risk for kidney failure. Blocked kidney require ureteral stent placement.
A ureteral stent is a thin tube thats placed in your ureter to help drain urine from your kidney . One end of the tube is inside your kidney and the other end is in your bladder.
Figure 1. Ureteral stent
Ureteral stents can be used for several weeks, months, or years. Theyre used to:
- Let urine flow through your blocked ureter.
- Keep your ureter open.
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How To Sleep With A Kidney Stent
When a ureteral stent has been placed, discomfort from the implant can make sleep difficult for patients. Sleep is crucial to recovery, so patients should consult with their doctor if theyre experiencing sleep issues because of discomfort or pain.
Different treatments may be recommended based on the severity of discomfort and the patients medical history. Over-the-counter medications to relieve pain may be recommended. Your doctor may also suggest alpha blockers to alleviate spasms and cramping that can occur when a stent has been implanted.
Anticholinergic medications may be recommended to alleviate frequent urination, which can disrupt sleep and impede recovery. Patients may also want to be mindful about their fluid intake during the day, increasing fluid consumption during daytime hours to maintain a steady supply of urine, while tapering off this consumption closer to bedtime.
What Can Cause A Blocked Ureteral Tube
Kidney stones are the most common reason for placing a ureteral stent. Other reasons include stricture , and outside forces such as a tumor pushing on the ureter and causing a blockage.
Inflamed, swollen, or damaged ureteral tubes in need of healing may have a stent placed to keep the kidney draining during the healing process.
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Can I Take Out The Stent Myself
You should never attempt to remove a stent on your own, as more harm may be done than you might assume. This can include:
- Kidney, ureter, bladder damage or infection
- Severe pain
- Urinary retention
- Re-blockage of ureter with stone fragments not removed in original procedure leading to severe pain that will require another hospital/ER visit to replace stent
Why Is A Stent Needed
Stents are used for various reasons in patients with kidney stones. They can be placed to help reduce sharp pain from a stone or to allow drainage when infection is present or when a stone prevents a kidney from working adequately. Stents are commonly placed after surgery for stones to allow healing and to ensure that swelling does not block the drainage of urine after the procedure.
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What Is The Best Sleeping Position
While doctors havent established a single best position for reducing stent-related discomfort when sleeping, there are some reports that people feel better sleeping on the opposite side where their stent is placed.
However, this isnt backed up by research. You may have to try different sleeping positions to determine how you can get more comfortable.
What To Expect Back Home
At hospital discharge, your doctor or nurse will give you instructions for rest, driving, and doing physical activities after the procedure.
Because surgical instruments were inserted into your urinary tract, you may experience urinary symptoms for some time after surgery. These symptoms usually disappear in a few weeks.
Symptoms may include:
- a mild burning feeling when urinating
- small amounts of blood in the urine
- mild discomfort in the bladder area or kidney area when urinating
- need to urinate more frequently or urgently
- pain resulting from an internal abrasion that needs time to heal
Try to drink fluids often but in small quantities. Sometimes a blood clot can cause pain . The urine contains a substance that will dissolve this clot.
If the pain remains despite the use of pain medication, contact the hospital or your doctor.
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When To See Your Doctor
Your doctor will probably schedule a follow-up appointment a week or two after removing a kidney stone. At this appointment, the doctor will make sure you’re recovering as planned, and if you have a stent, it will probably be removed at this time. Always keep your follow-up appointments.
After kidney stone removal, complications may occur. Common complications include blood clots near the kidneys, nerve palsies, pancreatitis and obstruction caused by leftover kidney stone fragments. You should see a doctor if you suspect any of these complications. You should also see a doctor immediately if you’re having trouble urinating, you have an increasing amount of blood in your urine, your pain is unmanageable, you have chest pain, you have a fever or you’re vomiting.
References
What Can I Do The First Week After Surgery
- Try to drink enough fluids: 1.5 litres daily throughout the day to facilitate urine flow and the spontaneous loss of small stone fragments.
- Try not to have sex within the first week after the procedure to avoid urinary tract infections.
- Eat more vegetables and less meat to have softer stoolthe inner healing process will be helped if you do not have to squeeze when using the toilet.
- Allow your body to rest during the first week after the procedureyou are allowed to lift a maximum of 5 kg and to go for walks. You can start cycling and exercising after this period.
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What To Expect After Ureteral Stent Removal
If your stent is only required for a short period of time, your doctor will then remove the stent from your ureters. This process, like the implanting of the stent, will require a recovery time that may be marked with symptoms and side effects that patients should be aware of.
The removal of a stent can, again, be followed by a period of frequent urination. When urinating, patients can expect to feel some burning or discomfort for a couple of days after the procedure. Despite this discomfort, patients are encouraged to drink a lot of water and other fluids to prompt the production of urine that will aid in flushing out the ureters and encourage a full recovery. You may also notice some blood in your urine. This is normal, although you should notify your doctor if it doesnt go away or gets worse after several days of recovery.
Some patients may instantly sleep better after a stent removal, while others may still be kept awake by discomfort or pain. Your doctor may encourage you to continue taking medications as you recover from the stent removalespecially if you suffered from sleep issues while the stent was in place.
Your doctor may have other recommendations or guidance to recover after a stent removal. Always follow your doctors instructions to support a smooth recovery and avoid the risk of post-stent complications, such as a urinary tract infection.