When is a ureteral stent (DJ catheter) necessary?
A ureteral stent (DJ catheter) may be necessary for therapeutic and preventive purposes if urine cannot drain properly from the kidney. This may be due to:
- congenital abnormality,
- kidney stones,
- inflammation,
- scarring,
- a tumor,
- external compression of the ureter.
Urinary retention is painful and increases the risk of infection. If it persists it can cause hydronephrosis, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even life-threatening blood poisoning. A DJ catheter is a special device that is placed in the ureter to ensure the free flow of urine. It helps relieve pain caused by kidney stones and ensures the drainage of urine in case of infection or urinary obstruction.
It can also be used before major abdominal surgery to prevent damage to the ureter. With the DJ catheter, if there is an injury or leakage, urine will not leak out of the damaged area, thus promoting healing.
It also plays an important role in supporting healing after certain surgical procedures, such as kidney stone removal (ureteroscopy): it prevents obstruction caused by swelling or stricture after surgery, thereby maintaining urine flow and reducing the risk of complications, such as blockage or infection.
How to prepare for a DJ catheter insertion?
The procedure does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient.
How is a DJ catheter inserted?
The DJ catheter insertion usually takes only a few minutes. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
The procedure involves inserting an optical instrument (cystoscope) through the urethra into the bladder. If the urethra is too narrow, it may need to be dilated or incised. A special wire is then passed from the bladder through the ureter to the kidney under x-ray control. To find the cause of any blockage, the ureter and renal pelvis system are filled with contrast material and an x-ray is taken. The DJ catheter is inserted using a thin plastic stent, the ends of which are curved to secure it properly and prevent it from moving. The exact position of the DJ catheter is checked by x-ray or an ultrasound scan.
In some cases, unforeseen, medically necessary procedure modifications or extensions may be necessary, thus avoiding the possibility of a second surgery.
This link shows a video in English from the European Association of Urology, which describes the process of inserting a DJ catheter.
What should the patient do after a ureteral stent is fitted?
The intervention is considered an outpatient procedure, so the patient can go home afterwards with the help of a companion. After fitting, it is important to drink the right volume of fluids (2-3 liters per day). Rest is important on the day of the procedure, and activity can be gradually increased in the following days, but strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects should be avoided.
What are the risks of having a DJ catheter fitted?
After the procedure, you may experience mild pain or discomfort, especially when urinating, which can be relieved by painkillers prescribed by your doctor. For 1-2 weeks, your urine may be pink due to small amounts of blood. You may experience lower back pain, bladder cramps, a feeling of fullness in the bladder, a need to urinate more frequently, or mild bladder irritation, which will gradually decrease over time.
Injuries, inflammatory complications, allergic symptoms, hospital-acquired infections, and deep vein thrombosis may also occur, but the chances of these are minimal if proper protocols are followed.
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WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly skilled specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating rooms and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards meet with an exclusive environment where you can heal in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
For all your urological complaints, contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.