What is a stent?
A JJ stent is a long, narrow tube that is inserted in to your ureter. Your
ureters are the tubes that drain urine from both kidneys to your bladder.
The top end of the tube (or stent) sits in your kidney and the lower end
sits inside your bladder.
Why is a JJ stent used?
When the flow of urine in the ureter becomes obstructed, or if your
doctor thinks it is likely to become obstructed, a JJ stent is inserted. The
stent provides a clear pathway for the urine to flow. You might think of
the stent as a temporary catheter.
What causes the ureter to become obstructed?
One of the most common reasons for a ureter to become blocked is
because of kidney stones. Sometimes stones which are formed in the
kidney pass down and become lodged in the ureter. Some patients who
have a relatively large stone(s) in their kidney or ureter, have a special
procedure performed called lithotripsy.
Lithotripsy shatters the stone in to very tiny pieces. These pieces can
sometimes get caught in the ureter as they are passing through and this
prevents urine from flowing freely. If this obstruction is allowed to
persist, it may cause an infection in the kidney.
It may therefore be necessary to insert a stent prior the lithotripsy
procedure to ensure stones can pass without causing a blockage.
There are other reasons why a JJ stent needs to be inserted and your
doctor will explain these if applicable.
How is a JJ stent inserted?
Usually the stent will be inserted in the operating theatre. You will be
given an anaesthetic so that you will not experience any pain during the
procedure.
The stent is measured during the procedure to fit your urinary tract.
The doctor will pass a long telescope (called a cystoscope) through the
urethra in to the bladder. When the opening of the ureter has been
found, the doctor will pass the stent through the opening of the ureter,
in to the ureter, and then in to the kidney.
How will going home with a stent affect me?
The JJ stent should not interfere with your normal lifestyle. It is
important to drink plenty of fluids – at least 2-3 litres per day, unless
your doctor has you on restricted fluids for a medical reason. This will
encourage a high urine output.
You may initially feel some pain or discomfort when you pass urine. This
usually settles within a few days, but may persist as mild discomfort.
If you experience unrelieved pain, fever, or have obvious blood in your
urine, report this to your doctor.
How long does the stent stay in?
The stent is usually left in place for up to (6) weeks.
When you are discharged from hospital you will be given an
appointment for removal of the stent. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
THAT YOU KEEP THIS APPOINTMENT. If the stent is left inside for too
long it will cause problems.
How is the stent removed?
Removal of the stent does not usually require anaesthetic. A flexible
cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and the
stent is removed.
St Vincent’s Health
PO Box 2900
Fitzroy 3065 VIC
Patient Information
JJ Stents
To be used as a guide ONLY.
Treatment may vary according to individual patients.
Revised 2007