This will provide information about a ureteral catheter. This information will also explain what to expect during the ureteral-stent placement process at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Information about Your Ureters & Ureteral Stent
Your bladder’s ureters are the tubes in your body that carry urine (pee), from your kidneys to your bladder. Your urine will not drain properly if one of your ureters becomes blocked. This causes your kidney to swell and fill with urine. This is hydronephrosis. This can be caused by tumors pushing on the ureter, kidney stones or scar tissue. It cause damage if your kidney blocked for too long. Both of your ureters can become blocked and your kidneys will be at greater risk of developing kidney disease. Ureteral stents required for blocked kidneys.
A ureteral catheter is a thin tube placed inside your ureter to drain the urine from your kidneys. The tube’s one end is located in your kidney, while the other is in your bladder.
You can use ureteral stents for many weeks, months, and even years. They used for:
- Allow urine to flow through the blocked ureter.
- Keep your ureter open.
Before your procedure of Ureteral Stent Placement
Your nurse will explain what to expect from your ureteral-stent placement before you go. You will also be given information on how to prepare for your procedure. Follow the instructions given to you. If you have questions, call your healthcare provider.
During Your Procedure of Ureteral Stent Placement
A nurse will place an IV line into one of your veins on the day of your procedure. Your IV will provide fluids. You will also receive medication to make your experience more comfortable.
Your healthcare provider will first place the stent by inserting a cystoscope, a thin, metallic tube with camera, through your urethra, which is the small tube that transports urine from your bladder outside to your body. The cystoscope used to locate the connection between your bladder and your ureter. Once they have found the opening, your healthcare provider will insert a ureteral catheter through the cystoscope into your bladder. The cystoscope will be taken out once the stent has been installed.
After Your Procedure of Ureteral Stent Placement
In the hospital
After the procedure, you will be taken to the Recovery Area (PACU), where you will receive post-anesthesia care. Your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing will all be checked by a nurse. Your healthcare provider might prescribe pain medication to make you more comfortable if you are experiencing pain.
You will remain in the PACU until your consciousness returns. Your nurse will review your discharge instructions with your before you leave the PACU.
At home
For the first 24 hours following your procedure, it is important to drink more water. 8-10 (8-ounce) glasses water
During the first 24 hours following your procedure, you should avoid any physical demands. Lifting objects over 15 pounds (6.8 kg) or activities that require your abdominal muscles (abs) are examples of physically demanding activities. You can resume your normal activities after 24 hours.
While You Have Your Stent
You may feel a “pulling sensation” when you urinate or pee after your Ureteral Stent placed. There may be:
- Frequent urination is the need to urinate more frequently than usual.
- Urgent urination is an intense, sudden urge to urinate. It can also be accompanied by discomfort in the bladder.
- Pelvic pain is a pain in the lower abdomen (belly).
These symptoms will usually disappear over time. Talk to your healthcare provider about any symptoms. Your healthcare provider might prescribe medication to treat bladder symptoms.
While you have the stent, there may be blood in your urine. It may occur for as long as your stent is in position. It can also happen after prolonged car trips or increased activity. Drink more water if you notice blood in your urine until it disappears.
Stent replacement
Every 3 to 6 months, your Ureteral Stent should be changed. When it is time to replace your stent, your healthcare provider will inform you. You should not leave your stent in its current position for too long.
- Blockage of your ureter
- Kidney stones
- Infection
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider
- Chills.
- 101 degree fever (38.3 degrees Celsius) or more
- A burning feeling during urination.
- Cloudy urine
- Your urine has a foul odor.
- You may feel pain in your abdomen or around your kidneys.