DJ / JJ Stenting
Internal ureteric drainage stent to relieve obstruction, protect kidney function, and maintain urinary flow — placed endoscopically in 15–30 minutes as a day-care procedure.
What is DJ / JJ Stenting?
DJ (Double-J) or JJ Stenting is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure in which a soft plastic stent with a curl at each end is placed inside the ureter to maintain drainage between the kidney and bladder. It relieves ureteric obstruction from stones, strictures, or external compression and protects the ureter after surgical procedures. The stent is placed cystoscopically under fluoroscopic guidance, is typically temporary, and is removed at 4–6 weeks as a quick outpatient procedure. It achieves immediate ureteric decompression in over 98% of cases and forms the foundation of emergency kidney drainage management.
How the Procedure Works
Cystoscope Insertion
Cystoscope introduced transurethrally; bladder inspected and the relevant ureteric orifice identified on the posterior bladder wall.
Guidewire Placement
Hydrophilic guidewire is gently advanced through the ureteric orifice up the ureter under fluoroscopy until coiled in the renal pelvis.
Stent Railroading
DJ stent is railroaded over the guidewire with a pusher catheter until the proximal curl forms in the renal pelvis, confirmed fluoroscopically.
Position Confirmation
Guidewire is withdrawn, allowing the distal curl to form in the bladder; final fluoroscopic image confirms both curls are correctly positioned.
Cystoscope Withdrawal
Cystoscope is withdrawn; patient transferred to recovery; a plain X-ray may be taken; discharge is typically within 2–4 hours.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Patients with obstructing ureteric stones causing severe loin pain or impaired kidney function needing immediate drainage.
- →Pregnant women with obstructing stones where surgery must be deferred until after delivery.
- →Those with urosepsis from an obstructed infected kidney requiring emergency decompression alongside antibiotics.
- →Patients who have undergone ureteric surgery requiring temporary protection of a ureteric anastomosis.
- →Those with extrinsic ureteric compression from pelvic tumours or retroperitoneal fibrosis needing palliative drainage.
- →Patients requiring planned ureteroscopy where stenting passively dilates the ureter for easier scope access.
"DJ stenting is an essential first step in managing obstructed kidneys. It buys us critical time to plan definitive stone treatment safely while protecting kidney function from the ongoing damage of untreated ureteric obstruction."
— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.