What Does A Pigtail Stent Do?

A pigtail stent is a specific type of urinary stent that is placed in the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). 

Here are some key functions of a pigtail stent:

- Provides drainage of urine by creating a scaffold to keep the ureter open if it becomes narrowed or blocked, often due to kidney stones. This allows urine to pass from the kidney to the bladder.

- Helps relieve pressure and swelling in the kidney from urinary obstruction. This prevents further kidney damage.

- Aids the healing of injuries or procedures done on the ureter, like surgery or lithotripsy to break up stones. 

- Has a curl on each end (like pigtails) which prevents the stent from migrating out of position. One curl sits in the kidney, the other in the bladder.

- Typically made of soft plastic or silicone with perforations to allow drainage. May have a small string attached to assist with removal.

- Usually inserted through the urethra while the patient is under light anesthesia. It remains in place for 1-2 weeks typically.

- Requires monitoring for complications like pain, infection, encrustation, or blockage of the stent itself. 

So in summary, a pigtail stent helps maintain urine flow from the kidney when the ureter is obstructed or injured. This protects kidney function until the underlying problem can be resolved.