If you are about to get a kidney stone removal procedure, you should know about stent placement. Stents are small metal or plastic tubes that help to manage ureter obstruction which occurs due to kidney stones or narrowing of the ureter due to scar tissue. Placing a stent is crucial in kidney stone treatment to ensure an uninterrupted flow of urine after a kidney stone removal procedure. Read this article to learn the role of a stent in kidney stone removal procedures. If you want to know more about urological health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.

What are stents and why are they used?

A stent is a small hollow tube that is placed surgically into the ureter. It’s flexible and around 10 inches long. When it is placed in the ureter, the top portion of the stent has a small curl that fits on the kidney, and the other end curls in the bladder. Stents may have a string on the end that is visible from outside the body, but not all stents have it.

It is used for kidney stone removal procedures for several reasons. It can help to allow seamless flow of urine and help in managing kidney stones that are present in the kidneys or the ureters. When placed in the ureters, a stent helps to keep it open and allows urine to pass freely from the kidney to the bladder. When urine flow is maintained, the stent alleviates the symptoms that occur with the blockage of kidney stones.

In cases of large or difficult-to-pass kidney stones, additional procedures may need to be performed for their removal. The stent also assists in these procedures by providing access to the stone. It also serves as a guide for instruments used in stone fragmentation and removal for seamless surgical procedures. Additionally, if a ureteral stent is used, it allows a widened passage for kidney stones to be flushed out of the system and dilates the ureter. This is also useful for passing smaller stones and eliminates the requirement for further treatment.

Placing a stent also relieves the pain and discomfort that occurs due to kidney stones that obstruct the ureters. Relieving pressure caused by the stone, the stent allows urine to bypass the blockage and reduce associated symptoms. While a ureteral stent is generally used during and after most stone removal procedures, the need for it is still determined by the doctor after diagnosing the patient.

How are stents used in kidney stone removal?

To use stents in a kidney stone removal procedure, the doctor first runs some diagnostic tests, including blood tests and imaging tests to check your kidney function and rule out other underlying issues. Before the procedure, they advise you to discontinue certain medications such as blood thinners and avoid eating something for a few hours before the procedure. Keep in mind that if the stenting procedure is being performed along with a kidney stone removal procedure, then the steps for preparation will be the same as for surgery.

During the procedure, these steps may be followed:

• First, the surgeon gives you local anesthesia to put you to sleep for the procedure.
• The surgeon then uses X-ray imaging or a kidney ultrasound to locate the obstruction and thread the guide wire for the stent.
• The surgeon inserts a small scope device with a lens (cystoscope) through the urethra and into the bladder.
• The guidewire is used to place the ureteral stent. The upper part of the stent sits on the kidney and remains within the kidney. At the same time, the other end which consists of a loop will stay within the bladder. This allows the stent to stay in place after placement.
• After placing the stent, the doctor will remove the guidewire and cystoscope, leaving the stent in place.

Usually, you can return home on the same day as the stenting procedure. However, if the stent is placed as part of a kidney stone removal procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital depending on the type of procedure you had.

When to call a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of infection like fever or chills.
• Burning sensation when you pee.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
• Difficulty urinating or feeling extreme pain while urinating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in one/either side of the abdomen or the kidney area.

Besides these signs, if you have any questions or concerns, you should call your doctor.

Stent in kidney stone removal is important because it allows urine to pass and relieves ureter obstruction symptoms. While a stent is commonly used in kidney stone removal procedures, doctors need to diagnose you to rule out any kidney problems to ensure that a stent is required for your kidney stone removal procedure. Stent use is safe in kidney stone removal procedures, however, if you have any of the above-mentioned signs then you should call your doctor for medical attention.

Need help with kidney stones, visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical treatment. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!!

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.