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.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Cost of Procedure in Hyderabad |
Rs. 22,000 |
|
Cost of Procedure in India |
Rs 22,000 |
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Number of days in the hospital |
Immediate discharge |
|
Type of surgery |
Minor |
|
Anaesthesia type |
Local |
|
Recovery Time |
2-3 days |
|
Duration of the procedure |
15-30 minutes |
|
Surgery |
Minimally invasive |
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.
References
- Patil S, Raghuvanshi K, Jain DK, Raval A. Forgotten ureteral double-J stents and related complications: a real-world experience. Afr J Urol [Internet]. 2020;26(1). Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12301-020-0020-3
- I Yadav R, Dalela D, Goyal NK, Nagathan D, Sankhwar SN. Bilateral Double J Stent Removal: The way to do it! J Surg Tech Case Rep [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2022 Mar 3];4(2):138–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3673361/
- DJ Stent Removal in Hyderabad, DJ Stent Removal cost, find Best Reviewed Hospitals & Surgeons, reviews [Internet]. Practo.com. [cited 2022 Mar 3]. Available from: https://www.practo.com/hyderabad/dj-stent-removal/procedure
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
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Frequently Asked Questions about DJ Stent Removal Surgery
The DJ stents should be removed or replaced within six weeks to six months of the surgery. Removing or replacing the DJ stent can prevent complications like the formation of stones, blockage of the stent, and the deposition of mineral salts on the stent.
Usually, healthcare professionals administer local anaesthesia before removing the stent using a rigid cystoscope. A rigid cystoscope is a tube-like instrument that does not bend. They introduce it through the urethra.
The doctor also lubricates the cystoscope so that the entire process is not very painful.
DJ stent removal is not an extremely painful process. The patients do not experience any pain at the time of removal because of the local anaesthesia. After coming out of the effect of anaesthesia, the patient may experience slight pain due to ureteral spasms for a few days.
Stent removal may decrease the chances of getting Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Most infections occur in the first six months of placing the stent.
However, some studies suggest that the patient might experience UTIs within two weeks of stent removal. The incidence of UTIs is significantly less after removing the stent than an indwelling stent.
The patient is required to drink a lot of water before DJ stent removal. He may also take extra medicines to relieve any pain. If the patient decides to remove the stent at home, he must make sure to wash and clean his hands thoroughly.
The patient is required to drink a lot of water before DJ stent removal. Extra medicines to relieve pain can also be administered after a doctor’s consultation. Hands should be thoroughly cleaned if the stent is to be removed at home.
Once the DJ stent is inserted, it must be removed or replaced after some time at regular intervals. If not replaced regularly it can block the tube or lead to encrustations on it.
As a result of the retention of urine in the kidney, the function of the kidney may get affected. It can lead to chronic renal failure in the future.
After a smooth surgery, it is equally important to have a smooth follow-up process and post-operative care. We have India’s best team for Cystoscopy at the most economical rates. Book an appointment with us and get a free second opinion or a free cost estimation now.
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