Urology "magic weapon"! Changsha Fourth Hospital introduces you to "ureteral stent"

"Doctor, why do you need to put a tube in after a stone surgery? Will it puncture your internal organs?"

"How long will the tube stay in the body? Will it fall out when I go to the toilet?"

"I have a ureteral stent installed, and I have blood in my urine when I move a little more. Is this normal?"

Ureteral stent (medically known as "double J tube"), also known as "pigtail tube" , is one of the most commonly used "artifacts" in urology, but many patients are full of doubts and even fear of it. Today, the urology experts of Changsha Fourth Hospital unveiled the mystery of this "life-saving hose" for you.

1. What is a ureteral stent?

A ureteral stent, a "temporary bridge" of the urinary system, is a flexible, silicone-like tube about 20-30 cm long, with both ends curled into a "J" shape (hence the name double J tube).

This small tube has powerful functions: it can support the ureter and prevent obstruction caused by edema or stenosis of the ureteral wall after surgery; it can drain hydronephrosis and protect kidney function; it can also promote the excretion of lithotripsy and prevent residual stones from blocking the ureter.

2. Applicable situations for stent placement

After stone surgery: preventing ureteral "traffic jams" after lithotripsy.

Hydronephrosis: Relieve urinary tract obstruction and protect kidney function.

Ureteral stenosis: dilate the stricture segment to pave the way for subsequent treatment.

Tumor compression: palliative care, draining the kidney.

3. Will it be painful to have a stent placed?

1. Placement process

It is usually performed with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia or local anesthesia. There is no pain during the operation, and the pain level during local anesthesia is generally tolerable. The cystoscope or ureteroscope is inserted through the natural cavity of the urethra, leaving no wound on the body surface. It is a painless "invisible operation" throughout the whole process.

2. Postoperative experience

Mild frequent urination, urgency (stent irritates the bladder), soreness in the waist after activities (especially when bending over), or light red blood in the urine (caused by slight friction of the mucous membrane) are all normal reactions and do not worry. Bright red blood in the urine accompanied by obvious blood clots in the urine, high fever and chills, persistent severe back pain, or difficulty urinating are abnormal signals and require immediate medical attention.

4. What should I pay attention to when using a bracket?

1. Daily activity restricted areas

Vigorous exercise: running, playing ball, squatting, etc. may cause stent displacement, hematuria, and even kidney damage.

Sudden changes in body position: Bending over quickly or standing upside down may cause lower back cramps.

2. Three principles to follow

Drink plenty of water: Daily water intake > 2.5L, keep urine clear;

Urinate frequently: Holding urine can cause urine to flow back through the stent into the kidneys, causing back pain and possibly kidney infection.

Things to avoid: Eat less spicy food; limit coffee/alcohol intake.

5. Can the stent be placed permanently?

1. Retention time

The specific time depends on the condition: after stone surgery, the retention time is 2-4 weeks; for ureteral stenosis and dilatation, the retention time is 3-6 months; for late-stage tumor compression, it needs to be replaced regularly every 6-12 months. Remember not to remove the long-term indwelling stent.

2. The harm of not picking up the loan within the time limit

Stent scaling: Salt deposits in urine form "stent stones" that are difficult to remove and may even require surgery to remove the stent tube.

Adhesion to the ureteral wall: The stent grows together with the ureteral mucosa and may require surgical removal.

Infection: Long-term retention may induce recurrent infection.

Renal function damage: Stones growing on the stent may block the ureter and have no drainage effect. Instead, they may cause obstruction and damage renal function.

6. Will it hurt to remove the stent?

Removing the stent is also simple and quick, without the need for hospitalization. We use painless cystoscopic technology to clamp the end of the stent with a foreign body clamp and gently pull it out. The whole process only takes a few minutes. Rest for 30 minutes after the operation, and you can leave the hospital if there is no abnormality in urination.

7. Common Misunderstandings

"The stent remains in the body to replace the ureter"

The truth: The stent is only a temporary channel. Long-term retention will cause complications and must be removed on time!

“You can’t go to work with a stent”

The truth: Just avoid physical labor. Light activities such as office work and walking will not be affected.

“Hematuria means the stent is broken”

The truth: Mild hematuria is normal and usually disappears within 1-3 days after drinking more water.

Ureteral stents are our "guardians of the urinary tract" and will protect your health at critical moments. Please follow the doctor's instructions and take good care of them, so that they can become your silent guardians. The Urology Department of Changsha Fourth Hospital is always committed to providing patients with professional and caring medical services. Let us work together to boost your health!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Guo Tao from Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Edited by Wx)