Urology Casablanca

Urinary stones Double J probe You are going to have an operation during which your urologist has warned you of the possibility of inserting a JJ catheter (also called an endo-ureteral prosthesis). This sheet is made to answer your questions. Some notions of anatomy of the urinary system This will allow you to better understand the explanations of your surgeon who indicated this treatment. In your abdomen (tummy) is the entire system for making and storing urine and the passages for its evacuation. The diagram opposite will help you locate the different parts of the urinary system. The kidneys (R) are located at the top and back of the abdomen. There is usually one kidney on the right and one on the left. The kidney is about 12 cm high and contains cavities (calyxes) to collect urine. These calyxes come together to form the renal pelvis (B). From there a thin channel leads the urine from the kidney to the bladder (V): this is the ureter (U). It measures approximately 20 cm in length. The two ureters (right and left) carry urine to the bladder. The bladder is the reservoir for urine. Urine leaves the bladder (urination) through a channel called the urethra

What is it about ? The JJ catheter is a flexible, thin tube (about 3 mm in diameter) whose ends each form a loop (hence the term double J) which allows the catheter to remain in place between the kidney and the bladder. JJ catheters are inserted into the ureter which is the channel through which urine flows from the kidney to the bladder. How is it set up? The JJ probe is lifted through natural channels (without incision). The surgeon makes sure that it is in place using an X-ray machine in the operating room. Why do we put a JJ probe? A JJ probe is placed to prevent or circumvent an obstacle in the ureter. The treatment of kidney or ureter stones is the most common indication for placing this catheter. When the stone has been fragmented, by intra- or extra-corporeal lithotripsy, it is common for small debris to migrate into the canal and totally or partially block the flow of urine, which can cause significant pain (renal colic) or urinary tract infection. The JJ probe makes it possible to avoid this blockage and causes dilation of the ureter which thus facilitates the elimination of stone fragments. A JJ probe can be placed in other situations: - Removal of a tumor of the kidney or ureter; - Repair of a stricture of the ureter; - Removal of a tumor around the ureter; - Compression of the ureter by a surrounding disease (fibrosis or tumour).