Ureteral Stent Exchange - An Overview

Introduction:

Urine (pee) is drained from the kidneys and into the bladder by tubes called ureters. Urine will not drain correctly if one of the ureters is clogged. The kidney expands and fills with pee when this occurs. It is also known as hydronephrosis. Kidney stones, scar tissue, or a tumor pressing on the ureter could be the culprit. The kidney may suffer harm if it is obstructed for an extended time. Patients may run the danger of developing renal failure if both their ureters are clogged, which will strengthen kidneys. Urinary stent implantation is necessary for blocked kidney(s). A tiny tube called a ureteral stent is inserted into the ureter to assist in removing urine from the kidney. The tube has two ends: one in the kidney and the other in the bladder.

What Are Ureteral Stents?

Thin, flexible tubes called ureter stents keep ureters open. The urinary system includes the ureters, elongated, thin tubes that normally transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Medical professionals insert ureteral stents to cure or prevent ureteral blockages.

Ureteral stents made of silicone or polyurethane (plastic) measure between 10 and 15 inches in length and a quarter inch in diameter. They keep the ureter open by lining its whole length. A coil on the stent's upper portion is positioned within a kidney, and the lower loop is inside the bladder.

What Happens in Ureteral Stents Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure: The nurse will educate the patient on what to anticipate when inserting their ureteral stent and provide them with preparation tips for the surgery. Make sure to adhere to the guidelines they provide. If the patient has any queries, call the healthcare practitioner's office.

2. During the Procedure:

• An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into one of the veins by a nurse on the day of the surgery. The IV will provide the patient with fluids. Additionally, the patient will be given medication to help them feel more comfortable throughout the process.

• The doctor will first put a cystoscope—a thin, metallic tube with a camera—through the urethra, the little tube that travels from the bladder to the outside of the body, into the bladder to the stent. To locate the opening where the ureter joins the bladder, they will use a cystoscope. The healthcare professional will insert a ureteral stent into the ureter with the cystoscope once they see this opening. The cystoscope will be taken out once the stent has been implanted.

3. After the Procedure:

• In the Hospital: Following the surgery, the patient will be brought to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), the recovery area. A nurse will routinely monitor the patient’s blood pressure, respiration, and pulse. If the patient has any discomfort, the doctor might recommend painkillers. Patients will remain in the PACU until they are completely awakened. The nurse will review the discharge instructions with the patient after awakening before heading home.

• At Home: Consuming more water than normal during the first twenty-four hours following the surgery is crucial. Sip eight or ten eight-ounce glasses of water. After the procedure, avoid physically demanding tasks for the first twenty-four hours. Lifting objects weighing more than fifteen pounds (6.8 kilograms) or engaging in any activity that requires using the abdominal muscles are examples of demanding activities (abs). Once a full day has passed, the patient can resume regular activities.

What Are the Experiences While the Stents Are Worn?

Urinating (peeing) after the stent installation surgery could cause the patient to experience a "pulling" feeling. The patient might additionally have the following:

• The urge to urinate more frequently than usual is known as frequent urination.

• A strong, unexpected need to urinate as well as bladder discomfort or urgent urination.

• Lower abdominal (belly) pain is referred to as pelvic pain.

Usually, these symptoms disappear with time. The patients will discuss potential symptoms with their healthcare provider. The patient can be prescribed medication by their doctor to relieve the bladder discomfort.

Sometimes, while the patient has the stent, they can notice blood in their urine. This could continue to occur as long as the stent is in place. It can occasionally occur after intense physical exertion or lengthy automobile trips. If the patient notices blood in the urine, they are supposed to drink an ample amount of water until it disappears.

For What Duration Will They Wear a Ureteral Stent?

Most ureter stents are temporary. If the kidney stone passes, the infection goes away, or other issues are resolved, the healthcare professional will perform another procedure to remove the stent. The stent will likely be in place for a few days or weeks.

For months or even years, some people require stents. Long-term use of ureteral stents may be necessary for patients with tumors pressing on the ureters or constricted ureters. The practitioner will replace the stent with a new one every three to six months. Complications are less likely when the stent is replaced.

How Do Ureteral Stents Get Taken Out?

The threads of certain short-term ureteral stents hang outside the urethra, where urine exits the body. The healthcare professional gently tugs on the string to remove the ureteral stent.

A ureteral stent will not have a string if the patient requires it for more than a few weeks. Their provider takes out the stent during a quick office procedure. Before removal, the patient might have an ultrasound or X-rays. The kidney stone or other issue has been treated, and this imaging reassures the provider. While performing a procedure, the provider will:

• Place a cystoscope within the bladder by passing it via the urethra.

• Microscopic clamps are applied to the cystoscope to hold onto the stent.

• Remove the stent gently.

What Are the Potential Risks of Ureteral Stents?

• Bladder discomfort, painful cramping in the bladder, and frequent urination.

• Stents that are blocked, fractured, or loose.

• Urinating painfully or with blood in the urine (hematuria).

• Illnesses, such as infections of the urinary tract (UTI).

Conclusion:

Urine can flow from the kidneys into the bladder through tubes called ureters, kept open by ureteric stents. Individuals may require them because of tumors, kidney stones, ureteral stones, or restricted ureters. Most stents are only meant to be used temporarily, but some patients with long-term issues require ureteral stents.