“Invisible Guardian”: The Important Role of Ureteral Stents in Postoperative Recovery

“Invisible Guardian”: The Important Role of Ureteral Stents in Postoperative Recovery

— “Postoperative recovery is not just about the surgery itself, but also about protection and drainage.”

The ureteral stent (Double J stent), although it looks like a simple tube, plays a crucial role between the kidneys and the bladder. Its main function is to maintain urine flow, prevent postoperative complications, and protect kidney health. Did you know that the ureteral stent is often called the “invisible guardian,” quietly working inside our body to ensure our urinary system safely recovers after surgery?

What is a Ureteral Stent?

A ureteral stent is a flexible tube, about 20-30 cm in length, with curled ends, resembling a "pig tail" (hence the name “Double J stent”).

Main Functions: Protecting the Kidneys

 Maintaining Ureteral Patency
Prevents postoperative blockage due to swelling, inflammation, or residual stones, ensuring smooth urine flow.

Assisting Stone Passage
Helps small stones or stone fragments to pass with urine, avoiding infection caused by residual stones.

Protecting Kidney Function
Prevents urine reflux and avoids hydronephrosis and kidney damage.

Reducing Complications
Reduces the risk of infection or stricture caused by urine retention.

The ureteral stent can be thought of as an “internal protective channel” that helps the kidneys and bladder safely transition post-surgery.

 When is a Ureteral Stent Needed?

Stone Obstruction
When kidney or ureteral stones obstruct urine flow, causing renal colic, a stent can urgently "clear the way" and restore urine flow.

Postoperative Care
After ureteroscopy or pyeloplasty, a stent aids healing, preventing postoperative swelling or scar stricture, promoting recovery.

Tumor Compression

When pelvic tumors (such as cervical cancer or prostate cancer) compress the ureter, the stent helps maintain the urine passage.

Congenital Strictures
For patients with congenital ureteral strictures, a stent may be needed for long-term support to maintain patency.

 Can Ureteral Stents Be Left in Permanently?

 Post-Stone Surgery: Stent placement time is typically 2-4 weeks.

 Ureteral Stricture Dilation: Stent placement time is typically 3-6 months.

 Advanced Tumor Compression: Stents need to be replaced every 6-12 months.

A ureteral stent plays its “invisible guardian” role in postoperative recovery due to its material and design:

Polyethylene (e.g.HDPE)
Initially used as a material for ureteral stents, polyethylene is relatively flexible, semi-transparent, and stable in the body, not easily undergoing chemical changes.

Polyurethane (e.g.TPU)
Combining the hardness of polyethylene and the flexibility of silicone resin, polyurethane has excellent biocompatibility, good bending and elasticity, strong anti-aging properties, is non-toxic, and has a smooth surface that resists encrustation.

Metal
Often made from nickel-titanium alloys, these stents are used for long-term implantation to treat ureteral obstructions caused by malignant tumors.

 Conclusion: The Invisible Guardian Not to Be Overlooked

The ureteral stent, although a simple tube, plays a vital role in protecting the kidneys, maintaining urine flow, and preventing infection or kidney damage caused by urine retention during the postoperative recovery period. It is not only an “essential tool” for recovery, but also an “invisible guardian” ensuring the safe recovery of our urinary system.

ECO has extensive experience in catheter materials manufacturing and can provide comprehensive catheter solutions for various departments. From ureteral stents to other medical catheters, we offer high-quality, reliable products, and can meet full-process processing needs:

 Shaping: Ensuring stable form and anatomical compatibility.

 Perforation: Precisely designed to meet clinical fluid flow requirements.

Radiopaque Marking: Using X-ray visible marking to ensure the accurate positioning of the stent inside the body.

Whether in product manufacturing or fine processing, ECO provides you with a one-stop catheter solution, helping both doctors and patients move toward a healthier future.

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