A DJ stent (double-J stent or ureteric stent) is a thin, flexible tube placed in the ureter — the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. It has a curled end in the kidney (renal pelvis) and another curled end in the bladder, which keeps it in place. A DJ stent is used to ensure urine flow when the ureter is blocked or narrowed, and is commonly placed after kidney transplant, kidney stone procedures, or to relieve obstruction.
When is a DJ Stent Placed?
- After kidney transplant — to ensure urine drainage from the new kidney while the ureter heals
- After kidney stone surgery (ureteroscopy, PCNL) — to prevent stricture and allow healing
- Ureteric obstruction — from stones, strictures, tumours, or enlarged lymph nodes
- Hydronephrosis — swelling of the kidney due to blocked urine flow
- Before planned procedures — to dilate a narrowed ureter before surgery
- Pregnancy-related hydronephrosis — when conservative measures fail
The Procedure
Anaesthesia
Usually done under general or spinal anaesthesia. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscope (thin camera) is passed through the urethra into the bladder. The urologist visualises the bladder and identifies the ureteric opening.
Stent Placement
A guidewire is passed up the ureter to the kidney. The DJ stent is threaded over the wire and positioned with one curl in the kidney and one in the bladder. Fluoroscopy (X-ray) confirms correct placement.
Completion
The cystoscope is removed. A temporary urinary catheter may be placed for a few hours. Most patients go home the same day or next day.
Symptoms with a DJ Stent
While a DJ stent is in place, you may experience:
- Frequency and urgency of urination — the stent irritates the bladder
- Mild blood in urine — especially in the first few days
- Lower abdominal discomfort or suprapubic pain
- Flank pain — especially with urination (vesicoureteral reflux)
- Mild fever — usually low-grade and self-limiting
- These symptoms are normal and usually improve within 1-2 weeks
Stent Removal
DJ stents are temporary and must be removed. Most stents are removed within 2-6 weeks via a simple outpatient cystoscopy procedure. The doctor passes a cystoscope, grabs the stent with a snare, and pulls it out. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and is done under local anaesthesia. Leaving a stent in too long can cause stone encrustation, infection, and permanent damage.
Care Tips
- •Drink plenty of water (2-3 litres/day) to keep urine dilute and prevent stone formation on the stent
- •Take antibiotics as prescribed if given
- •Report fever, severe pain, inability to urinate, or heavy bleeding immediately
- •Keep your stent removal appointment — do not delay
- •Avoid strenuous exercise until the stent is removed
- •Carry your stent card with you at all times
DJ Stent Queries? Consult Dr. Goel
Dr. Rajesh Goel manages DJ stent placement and removal with expert care. If you have been advised a stent, he can explain the process and ensure timely removal.