Why is this procedure done?
A ureteral stent is a thin tube that allows urine to drain from the body when the normal flow of urine has been blocked. The ends of the tube are shaped like a coil to hold the tube in place. One end rests in the bladder and the other end in the kidney. This tube keeps the ureter open so urine can pass from the kidneys into the bladder. ‚
How long you will need the stent will depend on the reason for it. Most often, the stent can be taken out in a few days or weeks. You may need it for a longer or shorter time, based on why you have the stent. Your stent may need to be replaced during your treatment. This may help avoid an infection, block, or stones. Some kinds of stents can be left in for much longer. Your doctor will decide how long you will need your stent. ‚
A stent may be used to bypass a blockage in the ureter caused by a stone, tumor, swelling, or narrowing. ‚
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What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will use a small tool with a light on it to thread a wire into the ureter up to the kidney. This is called a cystoscope.
- The stent is then put over the wire. An x-ray helps to get the stent in the right place.
- Once the stent is in, the cystoscope and wire are taken out.
- Sometimes, this procedure is done at the same time as a surgery being done on the kidney or bladder.
What happens after the procedure?
You will be able to go home after the procedure. Once the stent is in place, you might: ‚
- Feel the stent. This is common for some people. Sometimes it only occurs during exercise.
- See a little blood in your urine. This is normal.
- Need to pass urine more often
- Feel like your bladder is not empty
- Feel some pain in your kidneys after you pass urine
- Have urine that dribbles out when you are not trying to pass urine
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Drink lots of liquids every day to avoid an infection.
- If you have a stent with a thread that is outside your body, make sure you do not pull the stent out.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The cystoscope is also used to take out the stent. You may be given a local pain drug for this. Some stents have a string attached to them that stays outside the body. The doctor can take out this kind of stent by pulling on the thread. Talk with your doctor about when you will have your stent removed.
- If you have a stent with a thread, make sure you do not pull on the thread until you are told to do so. Call your doctor if you pull on the thread and remove the stent before you were supposed to.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Relax bladder muscles
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may go back to your normal daily activity when your doctor tells you it is OK. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Stent moves out of place
- Stent gets clogged
- You are unable to pass urine
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine or not able to pass urine.
- Very bad pain
- Lots of blood in your urine
- Urine is dribbling out most of the time
- Stent comes out
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=148 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚