What Is a DJ Stent?
A DJ stent, also called a JJ or ureteric stent, is a thin flexible tube placed inside the ureter—the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. One end curls in the kidney and the other curls in the bladder, helping keep the stent in position. It is used to bypass or prevent blockage, protect urine drainage after stone surgery, support healing or decompress a kidney. Stents commonly cause urinary frequency, urgency, blood in urine and flank/bladder discomfort. A temporary stent must have a clear removal or exchange date; it should not be forgotten.
Why is it called a DJ or JJ stent?
Both ends of the stent are curved, creating a double-J shape. The upper curl sits in the kidney and the lower curl sits in the bladder.
The stent is completely internal unless a retrieval string has deliberately been left exiting the urethra.
Why might a urologist insert a stent?
Common reasons include:
- Ureteric stone causing or threatening blockage.
- Swelling after ureteroscopy or laser stone treatment.
- Infection with obstruction when internal drainage is appropriate.
- Narrowing/stricture of the ureter.
- After ureteric reconstruction.
- To protect drainage after certain kidney or pelvic operations.
- Temporary drainage before definitive stone treatment.
A stent treats drainage, not always the underlying cause. A stone may still need later treatment.
How is a stent inserted?
A stent is commonly passed through a cystoscope inserted via the urethra into the bladder. A guidewire is advanced into the ureter/kidney and the stent is positioned over it, often with X-ray guidance.
In some situations, a stent can be inserted from above through a nephrostomy route.
What symptoms can a stent cause?
Common symptoms include:
- Urinary frequency and urgency.
- Burning while passing urine.
- Blood in urine, often worse with activity.
- Bladder pressure/discomfort.
- Flank pain, especially during or after urination.
- Feeling that urine is not completely settled after voiding.
Symptoms vary widely. Some people hardly notice the stent; others find it quite uncomfortable.
Why does a stent cause flank pain during urination?
When the bladder contracts, some urine can reflux up the stent toward the kidney, producing temporary flank discomfort. Movement of the lower curl can also irritate the bladder.
Severe persistent pain or pain with fever should not automatically be blamed on “normal stent symptoms.”
How long can a DJ stent stay?
There is no single safe duration for every stent. It depends on stent material, reason for insertion, infection, stone risk and the planned next procedure. Temporary stents often stay days to weeks, while selected long-term stents require scheduled exchange.
The essential rule is: know the removal or exchange date.
What is a stent on a string?
Some short-term stents have a thin retrieval string that exits the urethra. This allows planned removal without cystoscopy in selected patients. Avoid pulling the string accidentally.
Do not remove a string stent unless the exact date and method have been given by your urologist.
How is a DJ stent removed?
Many stents are removed in the clinic using flexible cystoscopy under local anaesthetic gel. A string stent may be removed by gentle traction according to the surgeon’s protocol. Removal is usually brief.
Mild burning or blood in urine can occur for a short time afterwards.
What happens if a stent is forgotten?
Long-standing stents can develop mineral encrustation, infection, blockage, migration or stone formation and may become difficult to remove. This can require multiple procedures.
If you have a stent, set a reminder and keep the follow-up appointment.
Stent symptoms patients often confuse with a complication
| Common with a stent | Needs prompt review |
|---|---|
| Urinary frequency/urgency | Fever or shaking chills |
| Flank or bladder discomfort, sometimes around urination | Severe persistent pain with vomiting or feeling very unwell |
| Intermittent light blood in urine | Heavy persistent bleeding or repeated clots |
| Awareness of a string when a stringed stent was intentionally used | String/stent appears displaced when you were not told to remove it |
| Symptoms that fluctuate with activity | Inability to pass urine or another sign of blocked drainage |
When to call the doctor urgently
Seek prompt medical advice for:
- Fever or shaking chills.
- Severe or worsening flank pain.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Inability to pass urine.
- Heavy persistent bleeding or large clots.
- Suspected stent displacement.
- Symptoms of significant infection.
Living with a stent
Most people can walk and perform light daily activities. Heavy activity may worsen blood in urine or pain. Maintain fluid intake appropriate for your health. There is usually no special diet solely because a stent is present.
FAQs
Is a DJ stent permanent?
Usually no. Most are temporary, although selected chronic conditions use long-term stents that require scheduled exchanges.
Can I feel the stent inside my body?
You cannot usually feel the tube directly, but bladder and flank symptoms can make you aware of it.
Can a stent come out while urinating?
It is uncommon without a string, but migration can occur. If you see part of a stent or a string has moved significantly, contact your urologist.
Can I travel with a DJ stent?
Often yes if you are otherwise well, but plan around symptoms and the removal date. Avoid travelling far if fever, severe pain or unresolved complications are present.
Does a stent cure a kidney stone?
No. It helps urine drain. The stone may still require treatment or may pass depending on size/location.
Related reading
- Blood in Urine After Urology Surgery
- Fever After Urology Surgery
- Travel After Urology Surgery
- Follow-Up After Urology Surgery
- What Is Endoscopic Urology Surgery?
- Urologist in Latur
References
- British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). Insertion of a ureteric stent https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/information_leaflets/188/insertion_of_a_ureteric_stent