What is the typical duration a double J (double J ureteral stent) is left in place after placement?

From the Research

Double J ureteral stents are typically left in place for 2-6 weeks, with the most common duration being 4 weeks, as determined by the urologist based on the patient's specific condition, the complexity of the procedure, and healing requirements. The exact timing depends on the reason for stent placement, with stents usually kept for 1-2 weeks after urinary stone removal, 2-4 weeks following ureteroscopy or other urological procedures, and 4-6 weeks for stents placed during kidney transplantation. For patients with chronic conditions requiring long-term stenting, the stents need replacement every 3-6 months to prevent encrustation and infection, as supported by studies such as 1.

Some key considerations for the duration of double J stent placement include:

• The type of procedure performed, with ureteroscopy and other urological procedures often requiring longer stent placement durations 2
• The presence of complications, such as impacted stones or intraoperative complications, which may require longer stent placement durations 2
• The patient's overall health and medical history, including the presence of a solitary kidney or preoperative stent placement, which may influence the decision to place a stent and the duration of placement 2
• The risk of stent-related symptoms, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and flank discomfort, which can be mitigated with medications such as Tolterodine, as shown in studies such as 3

It's essential for patients to follow up with their urologist for stent removal as scheduled, as forgotten stents can lead to serious complications, including infection, stone formation on the stent, and kidney damage. The use of alternative stent types, such as pigtail suture stents, may also reduce stent-related symptoms, as demonstrated in studies such as 4. Ultimately, the decision on the duration of double J stent placement should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and medical history, with the goal of minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.