What is a Ureteric Stent?
A ureteric stent is a specially designed hollow tube, made of a flexible plastic material that is placed in the ureter. The length of the stents used in adult patients varies between 24 to 30 cm. Although there are different types of stents, all of them serve the same purpose (see Figure 2). Your urologist can explain in detail about the different types of stents.
A ureteric stent, or ureteral stent, is a hollow drainage tube placed temporarily in the ureter to prevent blockage of the kidney and aid urine flow. A ureteric stent is made of plastic. The length of an adult sized ureteric stent ranges from about 9-12 inches (24 to 30 cm). It comes in different sizes to fit different size ureters. Normally, urine is formed in the kidney and is piped to the bladder by the ureter. Blockage may occur when a kidney stone is trapped in the ureter as urine makes its way from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stone blockage may be caused by previous operation on the urinary system, which scarred the inner lining of the ureter and narrowed the passageway. Blockage also can be attributed to prostate tumors compressing the ureter. Kidney blockage can be detected in patients experiencing a feeling of tiredness, loss of appetite, and even sickness. This is caused by salts collecting in the bloodstream which are normally removed from the body by the kidney. Diffi
