Kidney Stent

A kidney stent also called ureteric stent is a hollow tube which is specially made of flexible plastic material. If there is any obstruction in the free flow of urine, especially caused due to the accumulation of kidney stones, kidney stents are used. It's used to relieve obstruction and is placed in such a way that it is between the bladder and kidney. Both the ends of these stents are coiled and are specially made so that they remain in the urinary system for sometime. One end is coiled in the bladder while the other end coils in the kidney. Such a structure is used to prevent the stent from moving and keeping it in a fixed place. There are various movements which the body goes through every day and the stents are designed to withstand them. Different types of stents are used, some may be longer and others shorter, but the basic purpose is the same.

Kidney Stent Procedure

If the doctor feels that a stent needs to be placed, you will need to go through a specified procedure. General anesthetic is used so that you don't feel the pain during the procedure. Once you are on general anesthesia, a cystoscope, a special type of telescope, is used to get a view of your bladder and urethra. Once the doctor gets a clear idea of where the stent can be placed, he inserts the stent carefully into the ureter. There are coils at both ends of the stent, so that it can be coiled around the kidney and bladder.

Kidney Stent Removal Pain

Usually a kidney stent is placed for about six weeks after which it is removed. However, another stent may again be inserted, but that depends on whether the underlying reason for which it is inserted, still remains or not. If it's due to kidney stone that the stent is inserted, and the stone is not removed within that six weeks, then you may have to again go through this procedure. However, if the reason for which the stent is placed, it is removed within a specified period of time. While removing it, you are put on local or general anesthesia, so the chances of pain while taking it out is less. Nevertheless, there are times when people have complained of some pain, but that can be tolerated and the best part is the procedure does not take much time. It's only when the stent is placed that there may be certain complications, which are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Kidney Stent Complications

Many a time, people getting kidney stent have complained of kidney infection and kidney diseases that's caused due to the presence of stent. In case a stent is placed and there's urinary tract infection, there may be raise in the temperature of the body, pain in the region of the bladder or kidney or sensation of burning when passing urine. In such a case, antibiotics are given so as to treat the infection. Usually the stent does not hinder normal activities, but sometimes you may experience some discomfort in the region of the kidneys. Moreover, blood may also pass along with urine, especially if physical activities are strenuous. You may also feel tired more often than normal with the stent in place. Frequent urination is another problem which is faced by most people who get stents, so you need to be careful about that.

It's important that you drink a lot of water (at least 2 liters every day) if you get a stent. Water helps in reducing the risks associated with infections, besides helping in treating kidney stones. If there is extreme pain, you can take painkillers, but only after consulting a professional.

In case you need to get a kidney stent, speak with your doctor regarding all the above complications, besides the activities which you can and can't do. In case there's any severe symptoms, get in touch with a doctor immediately.