We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Ureteral Stent?

Jim B.
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,563
Share

A ureteral stent is a thin tube inserted via a surgical procedure into one of the ureters for the purpose of draining urine from the kidney to the bladder. Stenting is primarily necessary when there is an obstruction found in one of the ureters, but it also can be used as a tool to aid surgical procedures in that area of the body. The composition of the ureteral stent is dependent upon the patient's anatomy, the type of urinary procedure being performed, and how long the stent will be necessary. Insertion of the stent requires a device known as a cystoscope; a guide wire often aids in placement in the body. Removal can be achieved through cystoscopy or via a thread attached to certain stents.

Under normal circumstances, each of the kidneys in the human body is attached to a ureter — a pair of long narrow tubes that facilitate the transfer of urine to the bladder. When ureters become obstructed, a ureteral stent may be required to perform the function of the ureters. Reasons for obstruction can include kidney ailments, such as stones, tumors, swelling, infection, or blood clots. In some cases, a ureteral stent may be inserted to aid in other urinary surgical procedures by acting as a mold to allow healing in the area, to stop kidney stone movement, or to prevent urine leakage into a problem area.

Depending upon the specifics of the medical procedure, the size and shape of a ureteral stent may vary. Stents are generally between 5 inches (about 12.7 cm) and 12 inches (about 30.5 cm) in length with a diameter of less than .2 inches (about 5 mm). If the stent is expected to be temporary, it generally is open-ended. More permanent stents may have to be coiled at one or both ends.

The general method for insertion of a stent requires a cystoscope, which is inserted into the bladder and allows the surgeon a view of the ureter that needs stenting. Normally, a guide wire is then inserted into that ureter, over which the stent is moved into place. At that point, the cystoscope and guide wire are removed. Another possibility is to have it placed directly into the ureter, where the stent is poked through the skin and into the kidney.

Cystoscopy often is used to remove a stent once it is no longer required. Some stents come with a thread attached, which extends out of the body. These types of stents may be removed by using the thread to pull it out.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jim B.
By Jim B.
Freelance writer - Jim Beviglia has made a name for himself by writing for national publications and creating his own successful blog. His passion led to a popular book series, which has gained the attention of fans worldwide. With a background in journalism, Beviglia brings his love for storytelling to his writing career where he engages readers with his unique insights.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jim B.
Jim B.
Freelance writer - Jim Beviglia has made a name for himself by writing for national publications and creating his own...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-ureteral-stent.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.