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Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Stent Placement/ Exchange

Maintain Urinary Flow & Relieve Obstruction

Introduction to Stent Placement/Exchange

A blockage in the urinary tract can interfere with normal urine flow and may require treatment to restore drainage. Depending on the cause and location of the blockage, a ureteral stent may be used to keep urine flowing while the underlying condition is addressed.

At East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho performs ureteral stent placement and exchange for patients with urinary obstruction and other conditions affecting the ureters. A stent may be used temporarily while another condition is treated or exchanged periodically when longer-term drainage is needed.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area and determines the appropriate approach based on the cause of the obstruction, urinary tract findings, and individual treatment needs.

Smiling bearded man in green shirt sitting casually outdoors with brown leather bag strap across shoulder - Stent placement in Clifton, NJ

What is a Stent Placement/Exchange?

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube placed inside the ureter, which carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent creates a pathway for urine to drain when normal flow through the ureter has been disrupted.

Stent placement may be recommended when a kidney stone, narrowing, swelling, or another condition is interfering with urinary drainage. Stents are also sometimes placed before or after other urologic procedures.

Some ureteral stents remain in place temporarily and are removed after the urinary tract has healed or the underlying condition has been treated. When longer-term drainage is necessary, the stent may need to be exchanged periodically.

Procedures That May Involve a Ureteral Stent

Ureteral stents may be used before, during, or after certain urologic procedures to maintain urinary drainage. Whether a stent is needed will depend on the condition being treated and Dr. Coutinho’s findings.

A ureteral stent may be placed after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy to maintain urine flow while the ureter recovers from treatment. Dr. Coutinho will determine whether a stent is necessary based on the stone, procedure, and condition of the urinary tract.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Stent Placement/Exchange?

The need for a ureteral stent depends on the condition affecting urinary drainage and the findings from your evaluation. Dr. Coutinho will review your symptoms, imaging, medical history, and previous urologic treatment before determining whether stent placement or exchange may be appropriate.

Patients who may need a ureteral stent include those who:

  • Have a kidney or ureteral stone interfering with urine flow
  • Need temporary drainage before or after kidney stone treatment
  • Have narrowing or scarring involving the ureter
  • Have swelling or another condition affecting urinary drainage
  • Already have a ureteral stent that needs to be removed or exchanged
  • Require continued urinary drainage during ongoing treatment

What Are the Benefits of a Stent Placement/Exchange?

A ureteral stent is used when urine cannot move normally between the kidney and bladder. Depending on your condition, it may provide temporary support while the urinary tract heals or while Dr. Coutinho addresses the underlying problem.

A stent may be used to:

  • Bypass an area of narrowing or obstruction
  • Keep the ureter open during recovery
  • Assist with the management of certain kidney or ureteral stones
  • Support the urinary tract before or after another procedure
  • Provide ongoing support when periodic stent exchanges are needed
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How to Begin Your Stent Placement/Exchange Evaluation

The first step is an evaluation with Dr. Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He will determine why urinary drainage has been disrupted and whether placing or exchanging a ureteral stent may be appropriate.

Patients can expect to:

  • Discuss your symptoms and medical history
  • Review previous urologic procedures or treatments
  • Go over CT scans, ultrasounds, or other available imaging
  • Discuss why a ureteral stent may be recommended
  • Learn what to expect during and after the procedure
  • Receive personalized instructions for preparing for treatment

What to Expect on the Day of a Stent Placement/Exchange

Before the procedure, Dr. Coutinho and the care team will review your treatment plan and answer any remaining questions. The type of anesthesia or numbing medication used will depend on your procedure and individual needs.

During stent placement, Dr. Coutinho guides the stent into the ureter so that urine can drain between the kidney and bladder. If an existing stent is being exchanged, the previous stent is removed and replaced as appropriate.

Afterward, you will receive instructions regarding activity, fluids, medications, and follow-up care. Dr. Coutinho will also explain when the stent should be removed or exchanged based on the reason it was placed.

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Stent Placement/Exchange Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Stent Placement/Exchange Care

Symptoms while a ureteral stent is in place vary considerably. Some patients have little discomfort, while others notice urinary frequency, urgency, bladder pressure, flank discomfort during urination, or blood in the urine. These symptoms do not necessarily mean the stent is malfunctioning, but report severe pain, fever, inability to urinate, or other concerning symptoms promptly.

You will receive personalized instructions regarding fluids, medications, activity, and other precautions. Dr. Coutinho will also explain when your stent should be removed or exchanged and whether additional follow-up or treatment is needed.

How Much Does a Stent Placement/Exchange Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of ureteral stent placement or exchange in Clifton, NJ, and the greater New York metropolitan area can vary depending on the reason for treatment, the procedure being performed, anesthesia, facility fees, imaging, and your insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage will depend on your individual plan and medical needs. Before treatment, the office can help review your benefits and explain any costs you may be responsible for. You should always verify your cost and coverage with your specific insurance carrier and plan.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho is a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologist who treats urinary obstruction, kidney and ureteral stones, ureteral narrowing, and other conditions that can interfere with drainage from the kidney. A ureteral stent is often a temporary tool rather than the final treatment, so he focuses on restoring drainage and identifying the cause of the ureteral obstruction.

His fellowship training in genitourinary trauma and reconstruction at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University Hospitals of Cleveland is particularly relevant when stenting involves ureteral scarring, altered anatomy, previous urinary surgery, or a difficult obstruction. The plan includes not only placement or exchange, but also when the stent should be removed and what definitive treatment may be needed.

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Stent Placement/ Exchange FAQ’S

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Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

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Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have a kidney stone, urinary obstruction, or another condition affecting drainage from the kidney, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He can evaluate your condition and determine whether ureteral stent placement, exchange, or another treatment may be appropriate.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. Call today to schedule your consultation.

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