DJ Stent Removal Surgery

A double J stent (DJ) is a plastic tube that medical professionals temporarily place in the ureter. A DJ stent prevents the formation of strictures in the ureter. It can also help to remove stones from the kidney. 

Doctors remove the DJ stent through the procedure known as DJ stent removal or cystoscopy.

How is DJ Stent Removed: Before, During and After.

Before removing the DJ stent, the patient is asked to drink sufficient amounts of water.  

Usually, there are two standard methods of removing the stent.

In the first method, doctors apply local anaesthesia at the urethral orifice. They then introduce a cystoscope into the urethra and gently advance it upwards. The medical professional finally removes the DJ stent through the cystoscope.  

The second method involves pulling the strings attached to the stent. This method is typically suitable if the patient decides to do it at home under medical instructions. However, he should make sure the entire stent is out. 

After removing the stent, the patient should drink a sufficient amount of water. The patient may experience pain in the flank after the removal of the stent. Doctors may prescribe  painkillers like Ibuprofen to get relief from pain. 

Furthermore, use of a warm, wet cloth on the urethra can decrease the intensity of the pain. a small amount of blood in the urine can also be noticed which is usually not a cause of concern. Most of these effects will reduce with time. 

There is no restriction on the type of food one can consume. However, the patient is advised to eat food items rich in fibre to prevent constipation.

Cost of DJ Stent Removal

The table below provides the cost of DJ stent removal.

Risks and Complications of the DJ Stent Removal

A few complications associated with removing the DJ stent are recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in urine, and an increase in the frequency of urination. 

The patient may experience a mild burning sensation while urinating, especially within the first two days of removing the stent. A few people complain of pain in the flank as well. 

Most of the symptoms are temporary and should not last for more than 2-3 days.

Who Needs a Double J Stent Removal?

Double J stents keep the ureters open and unobstructed. The ureters can obstruct tumours, stones, infections, and blood clots. 

Depending on the urologist’s recommendation, DJ stents can be removed  within a few days after the procedure. Alternatively, it may be necessary to retain it in place for a little longer. Not replacing or removing a stent can cause occlusion, migration, and urinary tract infections. It may even become an origin place for stone formation.