How does a kidney become obstructed and what are the effects?
The kidneys produce urine, which passes to the bladder by a thin, muscular tube called a ureter. The bladder acts as a reservoir for the urine, which eventually empties by the urethra. The most common causes of obstruction of the ureter include a kidney stone, stricture (scar), or swelling after surgery. This blockage of urine can then cause the kidney to swell, which can lead to intermittent pain, blood in the urine or infection. Rarely, over a prolonged period of blockage (weeks to months), the kidney can be damaged. What is a ureteral stent? Obstruction is most commonly relieved by a ureteral stent. This is a hollow, flexible, soft plastic tube that is placed in the ureter, making a channel for the urine to pass and allowing the kidneys to drain. It is necessary to have a stent in place after an operation on the kidneys or ureters to allow healing. A stent may also be necessary as a rapid and safe method to temporarily unblock a kidney before the eventual treatment is performed. The
