The ureter is a muscular tube that allows urine, made in the kidney, to move into the bladder. Narrowing of the ureter from a surgery or a kidney stone may be a reason for a ureteral stent. Your child may need a ureteral stent if a kidney stone causes a blockage in the urinary tract.
A ureteral stent is a soft, hollow tube that is placed temporarily into the ureter. The stent allows the urine to drain. The stent has a coil on each end that keeps it from moving. The top end coils in the kidney and the lower end coils inside the bladder. Your child can move around normally while the stent is in the ureter, but should not do any strenuous activities.
The urologist places the stent while your child is asleep under anesthesia. The stent cannot be seen from the outside of the body. It will remain in place for several weeks. Your child’s doctor will remove the stent in the operating room. Sometimes the doctor may attach the stent to a string and send you home with instructions on how to pull the stent out at home.