Double-J stenting or DJ stenting is a ureteral stenting procedure that is used to place thin, flexible plastic tubes in the ureter to aid the drainage of urine from the kidney into the bladder. It is used for various reasons in kidney stone patients. This post provides the essential information you need to know about DJ stents before undergoing the procedure at a Ranchi urology centre.
Why are DJ Stents Used?
The ureters may be blocked as a result of a number of conditions like tumours, kidney stones, blood clots, infection, postoperative swelling, etc. A stent is placed during or after urinary tract surgery in order to provide a mould around which healing can occur. This diverts urine away from areas of leakage, prevents stones from moving prior to treatment, manipulates kidney stones, and makes the ureters more easily identifiable during surgical procedures.
DJ stents may be recommended by your urologist in Ranchi to reduce the sharp pain from a stone or renal colic, to allow drainage if the infection is present and also when a stone prevents a kidney from working adequately. Stents are placed after surgery for stones to allow healing. It also ensures that swelling does not block the drainage of urine after the procedure.
How is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure for inserting a DJ stent is performed with the patient under anaesthesia. A tube with a tiny optic camera is inserted into your bladder through the urethra. The bladder is inspected to locate the ureteral opening. The urologist in Ranchi may use X-ray images taken with a dye in the ureters in order to assess the urinary tract and locate the obstruction. The stent is placed by sliding it over a guidewire placed in the ureter.
How do you prepare for the DJ Stent Procedure?
Make sure you ask the doctor at the Ranchi urology centre about the treatment steps and any special instructions. Some common institutions include stopping certain medications like blood thinners, avoiding eating and drinking before the procedure to prepare for anaesthesia, emptying the bladder before the procedure, arranging pain medication after the procedure, and arranging for a ride home after your hospital discharge.
Before the surgery, your anesthesiologist will assess what type of anaesthesia is right for you. This may include general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia with or without sedation. You may also be asked to give a urine sample before the surgery to test for a urinary tract infection.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room, and your heart rate, blood pressure, and pain will be checked regularly. You may likely leave the hospital shortly after the procedure once you are able to empty your bladder sufficiently and if you have no fever or there is no too much pain. You are likely to feel mild to moderate pain in your lower abdomen, and you may also have a strong urge to urinate. These symptoms are caused by the stent, but you may ask your doctor for medication.
Final Words
DJ stent is a widely used procedure in the treatment of kidney stones. It helps maintain urine flow, reduce pain, and avoid narrowing of the ureter. It can improve the daily functioning of the kidney and the quality of life of the patient.
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