What's The Longest Time That A Ureteral Stent Can Be In Place?

[tobytronic]

This question is specifically about this type of stent. It was fitted 1/6/22 (June) as the surgeon couldn't gain access to my kidney to laser a kidney stone. The ureter was very narrow for around 1/3 of the length. In a few days, it has been there for six months. I've had lots of pain/uti and opaque and cloudy wee.

I have done lots of Google searches and cannot find any stent of the Double-J type designed to stay in this long. I have continually raised this concern with my GP, but don't seem to get an answer.

The fequent UTIs have definitely clouded my mind. I can live with this thing in my body, possibly max another three months.

Am I destined to be ending up a medical error. Or am I worrying unduly as modern ureteral stents allowed to be in for so long?

Just a decent answer from a person with similar experience or a health worker?

I've tried to get an answer from my GP, heard nothing.

[jno]

if the GP won't talk, could you try asking the surgeon? Not easy, I know.

[1ozzy]

A ureteral stent may be left in place for several days or for as long as several months. Your doctor will take it out when you no longer need it. However, stents must be changed on a regular basis of every 3-4 months.
According to Dr.Google.

[1ozzy]

After a tad more consultations with Dr.Google.

Double-J (DJ) stents are among the basic and commonly used tools in urology. The DJ stent generally needs to be replaced or removed within 6 weeks to 6 months to avoid complications like encrustations, stone formation, fractures and blockades of stents.

So, it appears it's getting close to it's use by date.

[tobytronic]

Thanks to all. I have come to the same conclusion, it will be overdue next week. I've had three GP appointments asking about this. Nothing happens. I've asked varous people regarding my concerns. Nothing. It is a Double-J and six months seems to be the maximum time without changing.

[Peter Pedant]

I am neither
indefinitely wd be mmy guess unless there is infection

The C19th century view is remove the plastic or it will never be free from infection - BUT the stone will have bacteria in it

Soooo

This is really a question for your urologist or whoever put it in....

[tobytronic]

Once again, thank you. So, six months later, coincindentally practically to the hour, I receive a phone call from the hospital. Driving, so it went to voicemail.
Please can you phone the general hospital to arrange your surgery. We can fit you in on the 17th. So a couple of weeks past the maximum duration that this type of stent can be in place. My GP cannot remove this type of stent, as it's one that it trying to stretch the tube from kidney to bladder as they discovered when they tried to pass the laser-blasting tool. Hopefully all gous well. Just starting with another UTI. This is a strange one as 'IT', being male, feels like your lips feel if you blow a trombone too long for the first time. I have a fever too :-)
So, it appears that this case is hopefully now closed.
Thanks x