As urologists, we do surgeries on kidneys, bladder and prostate. As a result of the nature of our plumbing, we often have to use various tubes to provide drainage. It’s a slight catch 22 situation because no one likes having a tube, but in the situation where we try to get away without one, we often run into trouble. As the surgeon, these things are fairly straightforward to insert, but how should a patient approach them?

There are two components to dealing with these various tubes. Firstly, understanding why they need to be inserted in the first place and knowing the downside to not having it inserted. When it comes to bladder drainage, we need to insert these after prostate surgery to allow the bleeding to settle with benign disease and allowing the join to heal in cancer surgery. Without it, we get problems with bleeding or with urine leakage through the join. Both of these are very problematic. In regards to stents, these are hollow plastic tubes that run from the kidney all the way to the bladder. They allow urine to drain through the ureter after telescopic surgery on kidney and ureteric stones. Without them, the risk is pain and infection both of which can be severe. We use drain tubes after major bladder cancer surgery and after prostate surgery. They are designed to collect and drain any minor leakage of blood and urine.

So often, a simple understanding why your surgeon has chosen to use a stent or catheter is enough to settle the system. After that, its a matter of dealing with it till it’s removed. Stents can be rather irritating at times but a gentle anti-inflammatory and an alpha block medication are often helpful. Urinary catheters can be uncomfortable also and they do need some education about how to manage the leg-bag and night bag.

Knowledge of the reasons for tubes and management of any irritation is usually enough to tide things over till the tubes are removed. Maintaining a sense of humour and a philosophical attitude helps a great deal too! Our job is to help you get better.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit