Ureteric Stenting
What is a Ureteric Stenting?
A ureteric stent is a thin, flexible tube placed inside the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent helps keep the ureter open, allowing urine to drain normally if it has become blocked or narrowed.
Ureteric stents are commonly used to relieve obstruction caused by kidney stones, tumours, scar tissue, or swelling following surgery. They may also be inserted temporarily before or after certain urological procedures to support healing and protect the urinary tract.
What are the Benefits of Ureteric Stenting?
Ureteric stenting is an effective way to restore urine flow and protect kidney function.
Benefits include:
- Relieves blockage of the urinary tract
- Restores normal urine drainage from the kidney
- Helps preserve kidney function
- Reduces pain caused by urinary obstruction
- Can treat obstruction without major surgery
- Supports healing after urological procedures
- Allows infection associated with obstruction to be managed safely
- Can be inserted and removed using minimally invasive techniques
When is Ureteric Stenting Recommended?
Your urologist may recommend a ureteric stent for a variety of conditions affecting the urinary tract.
Common indications include:
- Kidney stones causing ureteric obstruction
- Ureteric narrowing (stricture)
- Swelling following ureteroscopy or stone surgery
- Blockage caused by bladder, prostate, or pelvic cancers
- External pressure on the ureter from surrounding organs or tumours
- Urinary tract obstruction associated with infection
- Protection of the ureter following pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Temporary drainage before definitive treatment of kidney stones or other conditions
Some stents remain in place for only a few days, while others may remain for several weeks or months depending on the underlying condition.
What does Preparation for Ureteric Stenting Involve?
Before the procedure, your urologist will assess the cause of the blockage and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Preparation may include:
- Review of your medical history
- Blood and urine tests
- Imaging such as CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray
- Review of current medications, including blood-thinning medicines
- Treatment of any urinary tract infection before the procedure where possible
- Fasting before general or spinal anaesthetic if required
- Discussion of the procedure, expected duration of stent placement, and possible side effects
You will also be advised about follow-up appointments, as ureteric stents should not be left in place longer than recommended.
How is Ureteric Stenting Performed?
Ureteric stenting is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthetic as a day-case procedure.
The surgeon inserts a thin camera called a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder. Because the procedure uses the body's natural urinary passage, no external incision is required. A fine guidewire is passed into the ureter under direct vision and, in many cases, with X-ray guidance. The ureteric stent is then advanced over the guidewire until one end sits within the kidney and the other rests inside the bladder.
The curled ends of the stent, often referred to as "J" or "double-J" curls, help keep it securely in position. Once correctly placed, the guidewire and cystoscope are removed.
The procedure usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Most patients return home later the same day.
What to Expect during Recovery after Ureteric Stenting?
Recovery is generally quick, although many patients notice temporary symptoms while the stent remains in place.
Common experiences include:
- Mild discomfort in the bladder or kidney
- A frequent or urgent need to pass urine
- Burning during urination
- Blood in the urine, particularly after physical activity
- Flank discomfort during or after urination
- Mild pelvic pressure
These symptoms usually improve over time and can often be managed with medication if necessary. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise may temporarily increase discomfort or bleeding.
The stent will usually be removed or exchanged during a follow-up appointment, depending on the reason it was inserted.
What are the Risks and Complications of Ureteric Stenting?
Ureteric stenting is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure, but there are some potential risks.
Possible complications include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder irritation causing frequency or urgency
- Flank pain during urination
- Stent movement or displacement
- Blockage of the stent
- Formation of mineral deposits (encrustation) if the stent remains in place too long
- Difficulty removing the stent in rare cases
- Injury to the ureter, although uncommon
- Persistent discomfort requiring early stent removal or replacement
Your urologist will explain why a ureteric stent has been recommended, how long it is expected to remain in place, and arrange appropriate follow-up to ensure it is removed or replaced at the appropriate time.