What is a ureteral stent? An overview of related information.

Currently, the most commonly used ureteral stent is the double‑pigtail stent, also known as the double‑J stent. The stent’s two ends are coiled into loops resembling pig tails, and its primary functions include the following three aspects:

1. Ureteral support: The double pigtail stent is fixed at its upper end to the renal pelvis, passes through the ureter, and is secured at its lower end to the bladder, thereby providing ureteral support; it is commonly used to prevent postoperative anastomotic stricture.

2. Urine drainage. Patients with infections, obstructions, and other conditions often require urinary drainage. Double pigtail catheters can be used to drain urine into the bladder.

3. Protect renal function. By draining urine in patients with infection or obstruction, hydronephrosis can be prevented, thereby preserving renal function.

Ureteral stenting can mitigate renal injury, prevent ureteral obstruction, and alleviate pain. First, the ureteral stent is hollow, allowing urinary drainage and reducing hydronephrosis, thereby minimizing kidney damage. Second, stenting dilates the ureter, widening a narrowed segment and facilitating the passage of stone fragments while preventing them from becoming lodged. If, after surgery, stone fragments become obstructed or ureteral edema develops, urinary outflow may be impeded, leading to excessive renal pressure and resulting in renal colic. Following ureteral stenting, pain is typically relieved.

After ureteral stent placement, the following points should be observed:

1. Avoid strenuous activity: Although the ureteral stent is soft and thin, vigorous physical exertion can damage the urinary tract, leading to noticeable macroscopic hematuria. Additionally, strenuous activity may cause stent migration, thereby compromising treatment outcomes.

2. Drink plenty of water: After ureteral stent placement, it is essential to drink ample fluids. Increasing your fluid intake can boost urine output and help prevent urinary tract infections.

3. Avoid holding your urine: Holding urine may cause urine to reflux from the stent back into the kidney, leading to flank pain and potentially resulting in a kidney infection.

4. Anti-infective therapy: If symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria are present, and a urinalysis reveals a marked elevation in white blood cells, a urinary tract infection may be suspected. In such cases, oral antibiotics are indicated for anti-infective treatment.

When placing an ureteral stent, the first priority is to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor. Because the position of the stent can shift significantly, it may migrate or become dislodged, compromising its supportive function and potentially causing injury to the ureter, leading to bleeding or secondary infection.

Another important point is to closely monitor urination; if pain or significant hematuria occurs, seek prompt follow-up and undergo a color Doppler ultrasound to assess the position of the ureteral stent, along with a routine urinalysis.

Once an infection is present, treatment with quinolone antibiotics should be administered. During the period of ureteral stent placement, fluid intake should be appropriately increased, and irritating foods such as chili peppers and alcohol should be avoided.