Ureteral Stents: An Overview of Types, Uses and Effects
Ureteral Stents: An Overview of Types, Uses and Effects
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What are Ureteral Stents?
Ureteral stents are thin, hollow tubes made up of either soft plastic or silicone. They are placed inside the ureters to keep them open and allow urine to drain from the kidneys to the bladder. The ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Stents help in the treatment of several urological conditions that cause obstruction in the ureters.
Types of Ureteral Stents
There are different types of Ureteral Stents available depending on their use, material and design. Some of the common types are:
- Double Pigtail Stents: These are the most commonly used stents. They have coiled ends that resemble pigtails which prevent the stents from migrating. They come in both internal and external types.
- Double-J Stents: Also known as JJ stents, they have coiled ends but straighter bodies compared to pigtails. Usually these stents remain inside the body.
- Internal Stents: These stents remain completely inside the body and do not protrude outside. They are more comfortable for patients.
- External Stents: A small portion of these stents protrude outside the body through the urinary opening. This allows for easy removal of stents without additional procedures.
- Temporary vs Permanent Stents: Temporary stents are used for a short duration like 4-6 weeks, while permanent stents may stay for months or years.
Uses of Ureteral Stents
Some common clinical conditions where ureteral stents are placed include:
- Ureteral obstruction: Stents help in decompressing the kidney when there is a blockage in the ureter. This allows urine to drain.
- Ureteral stricture: A narrowing or scar in the ureter is treated by ureteral dilation along with temporary stenting.
- Kidney stone management: Stents are placed following shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy to treat kidney stones. This facilitates passage of stone fragments.
- Ureteral injury: Stents are used after ureteral repair surgeries to prevent urine leakage and ensure healing.
- Kidney transplantation: Stents help in directing urine flow from the transplanted kidney to the bladder.
Effects and Care of Ureteral Stents
Though stents serve an important clinical purpose, they can also cause certain side effects like:
- Pain or discomfort in the flank, groin or genital area. This is more common with externalized portions.
- Urinary urgency and frequency. Stents act as a foreign body triggering contractions.
- Hematuria or presence of blood in urine. This usually subsides in a few days.
- Urinary tract infections. Stents increase the risk due to bacterial adherence on the stent material.
Proper care involves drinking plenty of fluids, analgesics for pain, antibiotics for infections if prescribed, and follow-up with the doctor. Stents need to be removed once the underlying condition is resolved to prevent long-term effects. With adequate management, ureteral stents provide effective treatment for various urological conditions.
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