Introduction
Double J-stents help urine flow from your kidney to your bladder. These thin, bendy tubes got their name from their J-shaped ends. One J-curve sits in your kidney. The other rests in your bladder. Doctors use these stents to fix many urinary tract problems, from kidney stones to helping you heal after surgery.
Let’s explore what these stents are, why you might need one, how doctors put them in, and what to expect along the way.
What Is a Double J-Stent?
A double J-stent is a hollow tube made of soft, body-safe materials like silicone. Most stents are 24-30 cm long and 1.3-2.7 mm wide. The key feature is the J-shape at both ends:
- One J-curve sits in your kidney
- The other J-curve rests in your bladder
This shape keeps the stent from moving out of place. Many newer stents have a string at the bladder end. This string makes it easier to take the stent out later.
When Do You Need a Double J-Stent?
You might need a stent for several reasons:
Blocked Urine Flow
- Kidney stones: To keep urine flowing around stones
- Narrow spots: To keep tight areas of the ureter open
- Outside pressure: When tumors press on the ureter
During or After Surgery
- Before breaking up stones: To help with drainage
- After ureter surgery: To stop swelling and keep urine flowing
- After kidney surgery: To help healing
- Kidney transplants: To protect the new ureter connection
Other Reasons
- Urine leaks: To manage leaking from the urinary system
- Preventing blockage: When there’s a high risk of blockage
- Pregnancy issues: To manage stones or blockage during pregnancy
The Placement Procedure
Getting Ready
Before getting a stent, you’ll likely:
- Get blood tests and urine tests
- Talk about your meds with your doctor
- Stop eating for 6-8 hours if you’ll be asleep for the procedure
- Take antibiotics to prevent infection
- Sign consent forms
How Doctors Place the Stent
Doctors can put in stents using different methods:
Through the Urethra (Most Common)
This method uses a thin tube with a camera. The doctor puts it through the opening where urine comes out.
- You get numbing medicine or go to sleep
- The doctor puts a thin scope into your bladder
- They find the opening to your ureter
- Using X-ray guidance, they thread a wire up to your kidney
- They slide the stent over the wire
- They take out the wire, leaving the stent in place
Through the Skin
Sometimes, doctors need to go through your back:
- You get medicine to help you relax or sleep
- The doctor puts a needle through your back into your kidney
- They put a wire through this needle
- They slide the stent over the wire down to your bladder
- They take out the wire, leaving the stent in place
During Surgery
Surgeons might put in stents during other belly or kidney surgeries:
- While working on your urinary system, they put in the stent
- They check it’s in the right spot by looking or using X-rays
How Long It Takes
Most stent placements take about 15-30 minutes. This can change based on:
- Your body shape
- How tricky the case is
- What type of sleep or numbing medicine you get
- If you need other work done at the same time
After the Procedure
Right After
After getting your stent, you can expect:
- Staying for 1-2 hours before going home
- Getting tips on how to manage pain
- Learning what activities to avoid
- Hearing about side effects
- Setting up follow-up visits
Common Side Effects
Many people feel some discomfort with a stent:
- Urinary changes: Going more often, feeling urgent, or burning
- Side pain: Often when peeing or moving around
- Blood in urine: Usually mild and most seen in the first few days
- Bladder discomfort: Feeling pressure or like something’s there
Dr. Mark Sullivan, a kidney doctor, says: “About 8 out of 10 patients feel something from their stent. This can range from just knowing it’s there to more serious pain. The good news is these feelings are short-term and we can help with meds and lifestyle tips.”
Dealing With Discomfort
Try these tips to feel better with your stent:
- Drink lots of water: Aim for 8-10 glasses daily
- Take your meds: Pain pills and other meds can really help
- Take it easy: Skip rough sports or hard workouts
- Pee when you need to: Don’t hold it in
- Use warm packs: On your side or lower belly to ease pain
How Long Stents Stay In and Removal
Time With a Stent
Stents usually stay in for:
- 1-2 weeks after simple procedures
- 2-6 weeks for more complex cases
- Several months for long-term issues
The exact time depends on:
- Why you got the stent
- How fast your problem gets better
- Your personal health factors
- Risk of mineral buildup on the stent
Taking It Out
Most stents need to come out. Doctors do this in one of two ways:
Using a Scope
- You get numbing gel
- The doctor puts a small scope into your bladder
- They grab and pull out the stent
- This takes about 5-10 minutes
Using the String
If your stent has a string:
- The doctor finds the string that hangs out
- They gently pull the string to take out the stent
- This is simpler but there’s a small chance it could come out by accident
Possible Problems
While stents are usually safe, problems can happen:
Short-term Issues
- Infection: Happens in about 5-10% of cases
- Blood in urine: Usually goes away on its own
- Stent moving: Shifting from where it should be
- Pain: Sometimes bad enough to need the stent out
Long-term Issues
- Mineral buildup: Deposits can form on the stent
- Blockage: The stent can get clogged
- Ureter damage: From a stent being in too long
- Forgotten stent: When stents stay in too long, serious problems can happen
A study in 2019 found that problems go up when stents stay in too long. Mineral buildup rates jump from 9.2% at 6 weeks to 47.5% at 12 weeks.
New Stent Technology
Research keeps making stents better:
New Materials
- Stents that dissolve: Break down on their own, so no removal needed
- Stents with medicine: Release drugs to fight infection or buildup
- Germ-fighting coatings: Help stop bacteria from growing
Better Designs
- Softer materials: Less irritation and pain
- Better J-shapes: Improve flow while reducing bladder irritation
- Magnetic removal systems: Make taking stents out easier
Special Groups
Children
Stents in kids need special care:
- Smaller sizes
- More check-ups
- Higher chance of moving due to more activity
- More emotional support during placement and removal
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women sometimes need stents for kidney stones:
- Using ultrasound (safe in pregnancy) to guide placement
- Changing stents more often due to faster mineral buildup
- Keeping stents in until after the baby is born
Older Adults
Seniors face unique challenges:
- Higher rates of problems
- More health issues affecting stent care
- Possible memory issues affecting follow-up visits
Research and Results
Recent studies show how stents work and how patients feel:
- A 2023 study found that certain meds reduced stent pain by about 30%.
- Research from Johns Hopkins in 2022 showed that thinner stents caused less pain while still working well.
- A 2021 study found that stent symptoms affected daily life for 78% of patients. Sleep problems were the most common issue.
Living With a Stent
Daily Life Changes
With a stent, you’ll likely need to:
- Plan bathroom trips due to peeing more often
- Change your workout routine to avoid high-impact sports
- Drink plenty of water while managing more bathroom visits
- Be ready for some pain during certain movements
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Fever above 101°F
- Bad pain not helped by your meds
- Heavy bleeding or large blood clots
- Can’t pee
- Signs of infection (chills, major fatigue, cloudy urine)
Common Questions
Can I exercise with a stent?
Light exercise is usually OK. Walking, easy biking, and swimming often work well. Skip running or contact sports while your stent is in.
Will the stent affect sex?
Some people feel discomfort during sex with a stent. Taking pain meds before may help. Talk openly with your partner about possible discomfort.
What if my stent moves?
If you think your stent moved (signs include more pain, trouble peeing, or seeing part of the stent), call your doctor right away. Don’t try to fix it yourself.
How much does a stent cost?
Costs vary widely based on where you live and your insurance. In the US, the procedure typically costs $1,500-$3,000 with insurance. Check with your provider for details.
Are there other options besides stents?
Depending on your condition, options might include:
- External drainage tubes
- Metal stents (for longer use)
- Balloon stretching (for narrow spots)
- Waiting and watching (for some small stones)
Wrap-Up
Double J-stents are key tools in modern kidney care. They help many patients with various urinary tract problems. While they can cause some short-term discomfort, they play a vital role in keeping your kidneys working well and preventing serious problems.
As technology advances, stents keep getting better, with new designs that improve comfort and results. If you need a stent, understanding the process, possible challenges, and how to manage them can help you have the best possible experience.