HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Done Ureteroscopy And Laser Lithotripsy. Difficulty Urinating, UTI. Due To Muscle Weakness From Catheter?

Hi, I have a post-surgery urology question. A month ago, I had ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy to remove a large kidney stone (2cm), that the surgeon cut out near where the ureter meets the bladder. I've had a foley catheter for most of the time since the surgery -- removed after 4 days, the ureteral stent removed after 4 more days, and another one put in 4 more days after that (12 days after surgery) because I had so much difficult peeing (abdominal muscle spams, etc.), plus had a UTI. That catheter was in for 10 days, and then when I didn't void within 90 minutes, they insisted on putting another catheter in for 2 more weeks. I'm about to be checked again, and I have two questions: 1. Will my muscles have weakened (after 3.5 weeks with catheters), thus making it more difficult for me to urinate? And if so, what do I do about it? 2. Should I object if they want to keep me with a catheter for a longer time? My theory is that I don't void much in the afternoon anyway, judging from what shows up in the catheter bag, and that giving me 60-90 minutes to void is too short a time to tell.
Tue, 25 Jun 2013
Report Abuse
Urologist,  's  Response
Hi,
I do agree that you did require the procedure that you mentioned as you seemed to have a fairly large stone at your VUJ - this is the junction of bladder and ureter. Though it is a large stone, this procedure should usually not have caused you much discomfort, and to prevent even the minor discomfort, I place stents for any calculus beyond 1.5 cm which has been obstructing the passage. I guess in your case, the stent was removed perhaps a shade early. This is however a matter of opinion, and not everyone would agree with me when I retain stents for at least 2 - 3 weeks after the procedure. I feel that this gives the ureter time to recover completely from the auguries of the ureteroscopic procedure of such a large stone. The fact that you seem to require catheter for so many days after the procedure certainly sounds odd, and i think you can certainly attempt a trial void after catheter removal again, and this time as you yourself have suggested, maybe hold on for at least 3 -4 hours or till your bladder becomes well distended to know whether this trial is successful or not. Most patients would be able to pass urine comfortably in that time. I do not think stent will prevent you from voiding urine, but if you have pain while voiding urine after removal of Foley's catheter, there are medications like alpha-blockers to reduce the discomfort which will probably be quite useful to you. Let me know your progress, and if any further doubts, I will be more than happy to answer.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Urinary tract infection


Loading Online Doctors....
Done Ureteroscopy And Laser Lithotripsy. Difficulty Urinating, UTI. Due To Muscle Weakness From Catheter?

Hi, I do agree that you did require the procedure that you mentioned as you seemed to have a fairly large stone at your VUJ - this is the junction of bladder and ureter. Though it is a large stone, this procedure should usually not have caused you much discomfort, and to prevent even the minor discomfort, I place stents for any calculus beyond 1.5 cm which has been obstructing the passage. I guess in your case, the stent was removed perhaps a shade early. This is however a matter of opinion, and not everyone would agree with me when I retain stents for at least 2 - 3 weeks after the procedure. I feel that this gives the ureter time to recover completely from the auguries of the ureteroscopic procedure of such a large stone. The fact that you seem to require catheter for so many days after the procedure certainly sounds odd, and i think you can certainly attempt a trial void after catheter removal again, and this time as you yourself have suggested, maybe hold on for at least 3 -4 hours or till your bladder becomes well distended to know whether this trial is successful or not. Most patients would be able to pass urine comfortably in that time. I do not think stent will prevent you from voiding urine, but if you have pain while voiding urine after removal of Foley s catheter, there are medications like alpha-blockers to reduce the discomfort which will probably be quite useful to you. Let me know your progress, and if any further doubts, I will be more than happy to answer.