Double-J stent: 5 things you need to know.

This article was translated from the original Portuguese. Português

A double-J stent is a thin, flexible device used to keep the urinary tract open. On his YouTube channel, Dr. Bruno Benigno (CRM SP 126265), urologist at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz and director of Clínica Uro Onco, explains very common questions about symptoms, how long the stent can stay in the body, possible complications, and more.

To see Dr. Bruno's explanations, watch the video below or keep reading to learn more.

Can someone with only one kidney have a double-J stent?

Yes. Having only one kidney is not a contraindication to using a double-J stent.

If a stent is being used, there is probably an obstruction in the ureter. In situations like this, the stent can reduce the risk of a severe kidney complication, such as pyelonephritis.

Swelling around the glans after a double-J stent: is it normal? What should you do?

This swelling is most likely not related to the stent itself, but to the surgical procedure. When the device is inserted through the urethra, the medical instruments naturally touch the opening of the penis, which can cause minor swelling in the two or three days after surgery.

This problem tends to improve on its own and leaves no lasting effects on the genital area.

However, it is important to keep the physician who performed the procedure informed and to follow the recommended rest.

Pain after stent placement: how long does it last? Does it only go away after removal?

Symptoms after surgery may range from cramping in the pelvic region, burning on urination, minor bleeding and back pain. However, after the stent is removed, these tend to improve within 24 hours.

Dr. Benigno explains that, to relieve discomfort, the doctor prescribes some medications, such as Buscopan (hyoscine) and dipyrone (metamizole). But it is important to stay alert, because fever, nausea, vomiting and very severe back pain are not normal and are warning signs. If this happens, the responsible medical team must be notified immediately.

Is it normal to still feel pain after kidney stone removal with a double-J stent in place?

The doctor clarifies that this pain can be common in cases where there was inflammation caused by the stones. The stent is placed to keep urine flowing freely from the kidney to the bladder. Until the inflammation has fully resolved, there may still be discomfort in the back, the lower abdomen and even when urinating.

It is important to rest, take the prescribed medications and drink plenty of water. If symptoms persist after 48 hours of medication, it is a sign that the antibiotic may not be working.

Notify your urologist immediately.

UPJ obstruction and the double-J stent:

A ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a congenital narrowing of the ureter that makes it difficult for urine to drain from the kidney toward the bladder. The condition can lead to recurrent pain, dilation and loss of kidney function.

The pain caused by this condition will only be relieved with a double-J stent or after surgery to correct the narrowing.

Dr. Bruno also stresses: “I do not recommend removing the double-J stent before the definitive surgery has been performed.”

Surgery for UPJ obstruction can be performed as open surgery, but recovery tends to be slower and more painful because it is a more invasive procedure.

Dr. Bruno's team performs this same procedure by video (laparoscopy) or using robotic techniques, which allow faster recovery, a shorter hospital stay and less bleeding.

Cure rates are high and, in most cases, we are able to preserve normal function of the affected kidney.

Written by: Sofia Carnavalli | Press Office

of Dr. Bruno Benigno

Dr. Bruno Benigno
Urologist and uro-oncologic surgeon (CRM-SP 126.265 · RQE 60022). More than 1,500 robotic surgeries. Member of the AUA, EAU and SBU. Meet Dr. Bruno · In the Media

This content is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Each case must be assessed individually, based on AUA, EAU and NCCN guidelines.