You might have heard your doctor use the term DJ stent if you recently had a urological operation or were diagnosed with some sort of kidney or ureteral condition. Abbreviated to Double-J stent this little flexible tube is crucial for making sure that any blocked urine flows smoothly and easily from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stones, swelling or operation recovery–understanding What a DJ stent does and how to live with it can make things a bit easier before you go on your treatment journey.
And what is a DJ stent?
A DJ stent (or a double J or ureteric stent) is a flexible piece of plastic around 24 to 30 cm long with curled ends that remain fixed in the kidney and the bladder to avoid displacement. One extremity spirals in the kidney and the lower loop lies in the bladder . The major task of it is to sustain the flow of urine in case the ureter is inflamed or blocked.
When and Why use it?
A number of scenarios might lead the urologist to advise a stent:.
- If a big stone obstructs the ureter, or causes edema, the stent can release the pressure and hence facilitate urinary flow.
- Ureteroscopy or Stone Removal: After a surgical removal of the stones has been performed and to prevent swelling,stents are often placed.
- Ureteral Stricture: When the ureter becomes narrow due to scarring or inflammation.
- Tumors or External Compression: As the tumors compress the ureter and thus prevent urine flow.
- Infections or Trauma: To shield the ureter as it recovers.
How is DJ stent put in?
Typically the insertion of a DJ stent is a short procedure, and is usually done under general, spinal or local anaesthetic—a decision made by the patient in consultation with an anaesthetist.
A thin tubular camera, known as a cystoscope, is passed through the urethra to the bladder. It’s this that guides the stent up the ureter and into the kidney.
The stented ends stop the stent from moving out of place.Once in position,it starts to discharge the obstruction and help repair. Depending on the purpose of insertion, the stent can remain in the body for a few days to several weeks.
After DJ stent placement what happens?
It is quite normal when patients feel a bit of discomfort after the insertion of stents. It is not so odd at this post operative state that a patient develops some feelings: Most of the symptoms are temporary and they tend to dissipate just after a few days.
- The feeling of having to urinate at abnormal rate
- a slight itching, or stinging, as you pass water
- Urinary blood (particularly, exercised blood)
- Pain going down or on the side particularly because of passing urine
- The sensation that the bladder is not totally enabled of urine
This happens as a consequence of irritation of the bladder and ureter lining that takes place due to the stent. These side effects are usually relieved using pain drugs or alpha-blockers.
How Long Does the DJ Stent Stay In?
The period that a stent can be in place is according to how it was placed. In the vast majority of cases the stent is retrieved after 1 to 6 weeks. When left in too long, stent can have encrustations (mineral deposits on stent), thus increasing your probability of developing an infection or have it difficult to remove Stenting. Since it is a matter of significance, then it is worth it to maintain contact with your doctor and not befuddle even on its removal.
How is the DJ Stent Removed?
The process of removal of the DJ stent is simple and short. It can be done by two ways:
- With the Use of Cystoscope: A tiny camera is directed into the bladder through the urethra and the stent is lightly held and removed.
- Attached String: Other stents are left with a string outside the body and the urologist just pulls it on you during the visit.
This extraction is usually painless and is either performed under local especially or without any anesthesia application.
Frequently Asked Questions on DJ Stents
Q1. Is my life with DJ stent normal?
Yes. Majority find it possible to perform their day-to-day practices with some changes. Avoid anything that stresses or causes worsening of your symptoms, intensive exercise, heavy lifting, etc.
Q2. Will it be painful to pass urine via the stent?
A bit of discomfort or burning during and after it is normal, particularly during the first days. This can be relieved by drinking plenty of water and medications as prescribed.
Q3. Is blood in the urine normal?
Yes, there is a tendency to mild bleeding or slight shaded pink urine. In case you bleed profusely or persistently, contact a doctor.
Q4. Can I have sex with a DJ stent in place?
During the duration of the stent it is advised to abstain from sex particularly in case you get other symptoms such as pain or the feeling of urgency during urination.
Q5. What should I do in case I do not remove the stent?
Retaining a stent may cause infections and encrustations or even destruction of ureter. It is always necessary to abide by the advice of the doctor and go to follow up visits.
Suggestions on a Successful Healing
- Keep yourself hydrated: You should take as much fluid as possible to flush your urinary system and reduce the irritation.
- Take Medication as Prescribed: Pain reliever or spastic medicines can be used to relieve discomfort associated with stents.
- Avoid High Impact Activity: Do not run, jump or lift heavy weights as it may increase your symptoms.
- Record Your Daily Emotions: New pain, fever, or symptoms must be recorded, something to refer to in the future, and something to mention to a doctor as soon as possible.
- Be Clean: Good level of cleanliness will prevent urinary tract infections.
When to call the Doctor?
Call your physician immediately in the event you develop:
- Fever or shivers
- The ever-increasing pain
- During urination, one can expect a large amount of blood
- Straining to pee or having nothing to pass out in urine
- Smelly urine
These may be signs of difficulties like stenting, infection or even blockage.
Conclusion: Expert Urological Care in Gurgaon
A DJ stent is a small thing for a vast world of urinary tract disease management. Proper positioning, attention, and timely removal will save your kidneys as well as help your body heal well.
If you’re suffering from kidney stones or any urological condition that is being treated with a stent, you need to be sure that the specialist taking care of you has time in his schedule and deeply cares about his patients.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, who is one of the top urologists in Gurgaon today, has long experience in treating and preventing kidney stones, as well as numerous other endourological techniques for kidney stone treatment, live kidney donation or minimally invasive operations for the prostate. Through his exacting diagnoses, effective therapeutic plans and constant encouragement afterward he has given relief to thousands of patients.
For the best possible outcomes in urologic care, be it DJ stenting, kidney stones or any surgical intervention involving the prostate gland—Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is your number one choice.