Ureteral stent: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:48, 9 February 2025

Ureteral Stent

A ureteral stent is a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent or treat obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney. These stents are commonly used in urology to ensure the patency of the ureter, which can be compromised due to various conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, or strictures.

A typical ureteral stent.

Design and Function

Ureteral stents are typically made of flexible plastic materials such as polyurethane or silicone. They are designed to be biocompatible and to minimize irritation to the ureteral lining. The stent is usually shaped like a "double J" to prevent migration; one end coils in the kidney and the other in the bladder.

The primary function of a ureteral stent is to ensure urine can flow from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing any obstructions. This is crucial in preventing kidney damage and alleviating pain associated with blocked urine flow.

Indications for Use

Ureteral stents are indicated in several clinical scenarios, including:

Kidney stone management, particularly after ureteroscopy or lithotripsy.
Relief of ureteral obstruction due to tumors or strictures.
Post-surgical healing after procedures involving the ureter.
Protection of the ureter during radiation therapy.

Complications

While ureteral stents are generally safe, they can cause complications such as:

Urinary tract infections.
Hematuria (blood in urine).
Stent migration or encrustation.
Bladder irritation and frequent urination.

Removal and Replacement

Ureteral stents are not intended for permanent use and typically need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months to prevent complications such as encrustation. Removal is usually performed under local anesthesia using a cystoscope.

Illustration of a ureteral stent in place.

Related Pages

References

External Links

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-{{jpg-image}}
+== Ureteral Stent ==
-A '''ureteral stent''' is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the ureter to facilitate the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. Ureteral stents are commonly used in the management of various urological conditions that obstruct the flow of urine, such as [[kidney stones]], [[ureteral strictures]], and [[tumors]]. They can also be used after urological surgeries to ensure the patency of the ureter and promote healing.
-==Indications==
+A '''ureteral stent''' is a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent or treat obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney. These stents are commonly used in urology to ensure the patency of the ureter, which can be compromised due to various conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, or strictures.
-Ureteral stents are indicated in situations where normal urine flow is obstructed or at risk. Common indications include:
-* Relief of [[ureteral obstruction]] due to [[kidney stones]] or [[tumors]]
+[[File:ureteral_stent.jpg|thumb|A typical ureteral stent.]]
-* Support of the ureter following [[urological surgery]]
-* Management of [[ureteral strictures]]
+== Design and Function ==
-* Prevention of ureteral obstruction in certain cancer treatments
-==Procedure==
+Ureteral stents are typically made of flexible plastic materials such as polyurethane or silicone. They are designed to be biocompatible and to minimize irritation to the ureteral lining. The stent is usually shaped like a "double J" to prevent migration; one end coils in the kidney and the other in the bladder.
-The placement of a ureteral stent is typically performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia. The process involves the use of a cystoscope, which is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Once the ureteral orifice is identified, a guidewire is passed into the ureter, and the stent is placed over the guidewire. The stent has a coil at both ends to hold it in place, preventing it from moving. This procedure is known as ureteral stenting.
-==Types of Ureteral Stents==
+[[File:DJ-Harnleiterschiene.jpg|thumb|A double J ureteral stent.]]
-Ureteral stents come in various lengths and diameters to accommodate different patient anatomies. They are made from different materials, including silicone and polyurethane, which are chosen based on the intended duration of stent placement and patient compatibility.
-==Complications==
+The primary function of a ureteral stent is to ensure urine can flow from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing any obstructions. This is crucial in preventing kidney damage and alleviating pain associated with blocked urine flow.
-While ureteral stenting is generally safe, it can be associated with some complications, such as:
-* [[Urinary tract infection]] (UTI)
+== Indications for Use ==
-* Stent migration or dislodgement
-* Hematuria (blood in urine)
+Ureteral stents are indicated in several clinical scenarios, including:
-* Stent encrustation or blockage
-* Ureteral injury
+* [[Kidney stone]] management, particularly after [[ureteroscopy]] or [[lithotripsy]].
-* Discomfort or pain, often referred to as stent syndrome, which includes symptoms such as lower back pain, bladder irritation, and frequent urination
+* Relief of ureteral obstruction due to [[tumor]]s or [[stricture]]s.
-==Management of Stent-related Symptoms==
+* Post-surgical healing after procedures involving the ureter.
-Management of symptoms related to ureteral stents may include medications such as analgesics for pain, anticholinergics for bladder spasms, and antibiotics for infections. Patients are also advised to maintain adequate hydration to facilitate urine flow and stent function.
+* Protection of the ureter during [[radiation therapy]].
-==Removal==
-Ureteral stents are typically removed or replaced within a specified period, which can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the underlying condition and the patient's response to treatment. Stent removal is usually performed using a cystoscope in a similar manner to stent placement.
+== Complications ==
-==Conclusion==
-Ureteral stents are a vital tool in the management of various urological conditions. While they can significantly improve urine flow and aid in the healing process, awareness of potential complications and proper management of stent-related symptoms are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
+While ureteral stents are generally safe, they can cause complications such as:
+* [[Urinary tract infection]]s.
+* Hematuria (blood in urine).
+* Stent migration or encrustation.
+* Bladder irritation and frequent urination.
+== Removal and Replacement ==
+Ureteral stents are not intended for permanent use and typically need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months to prevent complications such as encrustation. Removal is usually performed under local anesthesia using a cystoscope.
+[[File:Ureteral.jpg|thumb|Illustration of a ureteral stent in place.]]
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Urology]]
+* [[Kidney stone disease]]
+* [[Ureteroscopy]]
+* [[Lithotripsy]]
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
+[[File:Ureterstent_double_J_3D_legend.jpg|thumb|3D illustration of a double J stent.]]
+== External Links ==
+* [https://www.urologyhealth.org/ Urology Care Foundation]
+* [https://www.kidney.org/ National Kidney Foundation]
 [[Category:Urology]]
 [[Category:Medical devices]]
-{{medicine-stub}}