Introduction to Ureteric Stent
A ureteric stent is a slender, hollow, flexible plastic tube of approximately 12 inches in length. This device is inserted into your ureter, which is the conduit between your kidney and your bladder, through a telescopic procedure performed via your bladder. To keep the stent securely in place, it is designed with curls at both ends. This setup facilitates the smooth transition of urine produced by your kidney into your bladder.
Reasons for Stent Insertion
Stents are commonly inserted in instances of blockages in one or both of your ureters. This can be done as a part of planned surgery involving your ureter or as an emergency procedure to bypass an unexpected obstruction. Such blockages may originate from a kidney stone or stone fragment that has moved into your ureter either independently or following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Other causes include a stricture (or narrowing) of the ureter due to scarring, congenital issues, or tumor growth causing obstruction and narrowing. Stents are also used after surgical procedures to protect against blockages that might result from swelling in the initial days following surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you how long the stent needs to remain in place, as this duration varies.
Stent Insertion Procedure
The insertion of a stent is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The process involves passing a small telescope, or cystoscope, through the urethra into the bladder. The stent is then placed into the ureter and kidney through the ureter's opening in the bladder, using x-ray guidance to confirm its correct positioning.
Stent Retention Time
The duration a stent remains in place varies, depending on the reason for its insertion. For most patients, stents are needed for a relatively short period, ranging from days to weeks or months. However, certain circumstances may require a stent to be kept in place long-term.
Possible Side Effects of a Stent
Most patients experience some degree of stent-related symptoms, varying in intensity. These can range from slight discomfort when passing urine to more severe issues such as increased urination frequency, burning sensation during urination, the need for urgent urination, pain and discomfort in the kidney, bladder, urethra, and genitals, and sometimes blood in the urine. Other potential side effects include pain at the penis tip in men, occasional urinary incontinence, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary infections necessitating antibiotic treatment.
Patient's Role
As a patient, you can help manage your condition by staying hydrated, reporting any signs of infection to your GP, and informing your GP if the stent has remained in place longer than expected without any contact from the hospital.
Stent Removal
Stents are removed either by pulling a string attached to them or via flexible cystoscopy under local anesthesia. In both cases, the process is usually brief, and you can return home immediately after the procedure.
Increased Risk of Urinary Infection
Having a stent in place coupled with an underlying kidney issue increases your vulnerability to urinary tract infections. You should consult a healthcare professional if you notice symptoms like a raised temperature, increasing pain in your kidney or bladder, difficulty emptying your bladder, increasing blood in your urine, a burning sensation during urination, or a general feeling of being unwell.
Impact on Daily Life and Sexual Activity
Generally, having a stent should not disrupt your daily activities, though it may cause some frustration. You can continue with work, physical activity, and social interactions, and travel as long as you account for possible discomfort, fatigue, and the need for nearby toilet access. As for sexual activity, there are no restrictions when a stent is in place, though some patients may experience discomfort during intercourse, and the side effects may adversely affect your libido. If your stent is attached to a string passing through your urethra, sexual activity might be challenging, as you need to avoid dislodging the string and displacing the stent. Abstinence may be necessary until the stent's removal.
Potential Complications
If a stent stays in place too long, it may develop a crystal-like coating on its surface, which can exacerbate urinary side effects. Displacement of the stent is rare, but if it does occur, contact your urology consultant or GP immediately.
When to Seek Help
You should consult your GP or hospital if you experience persistent, severe pain related to the stent, display symptoms of urinary tract infection, notice your stent has become dislodged or falls out, see excessive blood and clots in your urine, or encounter difficulty passing urine.
Final Considerations
If you don't receive information about your stent removal, be proactive and reach out to your doctor.