What is stent in kidney stone surgery?

In kidney stone surgery, a stent is a small, flexible tube that is inserted into the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent is used to keep the ureter open and allow urine to flow properly while the stone is being treated or removed.

There are different types of stents that can be used for kidney stone surgery. The most common type is called a "double-J" stent because it has a J-shaped curve at each end. The ends of the stent are placed in the kidney and the bladder, and the stent forms a U-shape through the ureter. This keeps the ureter open and allows urine to flow past the stone.

Other types of stents include balloon stents, which expand when they are inflated, and filiform stents, which are very thin and are used to bypass small stones. The type of stent that is used will depend on the size, location, and shape of the kidney stone.

Stents are usually inserted during a cystoscopy, which is a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the urethra and bladder. The stent is then passed through the cystoscope and into the ureter. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and it is typically done on an outpatient basis.

Stents can cause some discomfort, such as pain in the flank or abdomen, as well as frequent urination and a burning sensation during urination. The stent is usually left in place for a few weeks or months, until the kidney stone has been fully treated or removed.