Placement of the Ureteral Stent

The double J (or “DJ”) stent is an internal tube placed between the kidney and the bladder. It is implanted either by endoscopy via the urethra or percutaneously after kidney puncture (nephrotomy). Implantation can also be performed using radiologic monitoring.

The stent allows the urine to flow freely by removing an obstruction of the ureter.

This flexible plastic stent (polyurethane or silicone) is rounded at both extremities which allows it to stay in place between the renal pelvis (upper extremity) and the bladder (lower extremity).

The stent is usually implanted with the patient under narcosis, general anesthesia or spinal anesthetic (rachianesthesia). Depending on the case and the medical issue, it is left in place anywhere from a few days and a few months.

A stent left in place too long can calcify and become obstructed.