JJ-stent Removal
A stent is a plastic tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder inside the kidney tube (ureter). It has a loop at each end to prevent the stent from migrating to either your kidney or to the bladder. A stent is placed to facilitate drainage of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Why do we insert a JJ-stent?
A JJ-stent is inserted to relieve any blockage in the ureter. Like for instance:
- A stone in the ureter
- Sometimes surgery or disease close to the ureter can cause a blockage in the ureter
After surgery to the ureter or instrument insertion into the ureter or kidney, you might need a JJ-stent to help the healing process and to facilitate drainage of urine.
The JJ-stent is inserted in theatre under general anaesthesia. You will receive some antibiotics in the theatre before the procedure. The urologist will use a camera (cystoscope) to look inside the bladder. The JJ-stent will be pushed up the ureter until the upper tip is inside the kidney.
We use x-rays in theatre to make sure the position of the stent is correct.
Diagram
Removal of the stent in the rooms
The JJ-stent will be removed while you are awake.
No anaesthetic is given for this procedure, thus you are allowed to eat/ drink prior to the procedure.
The urologist will use a cystoscope to find and remove the stent.
Phone us if any of the following occurs
Please phone the doctor’s office if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- If you develop a fever or chills.
- If you have severe pain that does not get better with the prescribed medication.
- If you are passing clots of blood in the urine.
- If you are unable to pass urine.