What is a Ureteric Stent and How Does It Work?
A ureteric stent is a specially designed hollow tube made from flexible plastic, ranging between 24 to 30 cm in length. It's inserted into the ureter—the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder—to ensure that urine flows smoothly, especially when there's a risk of blockage.
Why Do Doctors Recommend Ureteric Stents?
Ureteric stents are primarily used to prevent or relieve obstructions in the urinary system. These blockages can be caused by:
- Kidney stones: Stones can move into the ureter, blocking the flow of urine.
- Ureteral stricture: Narrowing of the ureter due to scarring, congenital issues, or tumours.
- Post-surgical swelling: After certain surgeries, swelling can block the ureter, and a stent is used to keep it open during recovery.
- Pelvic tumours: Tumours (prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and others) can press on the ureter, causing obstruction.
When left untreated, these blockages can increase pressure on the kidney, leading to reduced kidney function and possibly infection.
How is a Ureteric Stent Inserted?
Stent insertion typically occurs under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia. Here’s how the procedure is generally performed:
- Anaesthesia: You’re given anaesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
- Cystoscope use: A small telescope called a cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder.
- Stent placement: The stent is placed into the ureter and kidney, often using x-ray guidance to ensure correct positioning.
If both kidneys are involved, stents may be placed in both ureters.
How Long Does a Ureteric Stent Stay in Place?
The length of time a stent stays in place depends on the underlying condition:
- Short-term use: Typically, stents are kept in place for a few weeks to a few months.
- Long-term use: In some cases, a stent may need to be left in for up to six months or more. Long-term stents must be replaced regularly, typically every six months.
What to Expect While Living with a Ureteric Stent
Ureteric stents allow patients to live a relatively normal life, but they are not without side effects. Here are some things you might experience:
- Increased urinary frequency: You may need to urinate more often.
- Urgency: A sudden, strong need to urinate.
- Blood in urine: This is common and often improves with increased fluid intake.
- Incomplete bladder emptying: You might feel like your bladder isn’t fully empty after urinating.
- Discomfort or pain: Especially in the bladder, kidney, groin, or genital areas, and more so after physical activity or urination.
- Urinary incontinence: This is rare but can occur, especially in women.
How to Manage Discomfort and Side Effects
Living with a stent can be uncomfortable, but here are ways to manage it:
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily to reduce the risk of infection and flush out blood in the urine.
- Medications: If urinary symptoms are severe, medications like Tamsulosin can help reduce discomfort.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter painkillers may be recommended by your doctor to alleviate discomfort.
- Physical activity: While you can continue with most activities, avoid strenuous exercise if it exacerbates your symptoms.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
Though rare, there are some complications you should be aware of:
- Displacement of the stent: The stent may move out of place, which could require medical attention.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Symptoms include a fever, increased pain, burning during urination, and feeling unwell. This usually requires antibiotics.
When to call your doctor:
- Constant, unbearable pain despite medication.
- Signs of a UTI.
- The stent becomes dislodged or falls out.
- Significant changes in the amount of blood in your urine.
Final Thoughts on Ureteric Stents
While having a ureteric stent can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, it plays a crucial role in managing urinary obstructions and ensuring your kidneys function properly. With proper care and attention to symptoms, most people can continue with their daily activities while the stent is in place.
