What is a stent?
A stent is a small, lattice-shaped, metal or plastic tube inserted permanently into an artery or blood vessel. A stent is used to open an artery that has become too narrow due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up on the artery’s inner walls blocking blood flow. Stents are typically placed inside a coronary (heart) artery after a balloon angioplasty procedure, in order to prevent restenosis (re-closing or re-blocking of the artery).
A (ureteral) stent is a small silicone or plastic tube that is placed inside the natural passage of the urinary tract. It may be used as an adjunct to any aggressive kidney stone treatment, including cystoscopy, ESWL, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is placed cystoscopically, with one end being used to curl in the bladder, the other, to curl in the kidney. Due to its multiple perforations, the stent will allow urine to drain from the kidney down the ureter, and to the bladder. It is most commonly employed to bypass a stone, relieve obstruction, or keep the ureter from swelling shut after a surgical procedure. If you require a stent, your doctor will advise for the reason it was needed. Keep in mind that stents need to be removed regularly, as they can acquire build up similar to those seen in a stone, subsequently making its removal very difficult.
