What is a double J ureteral stent?
A double J ureteral stent is a catheter stent with two J-shaped (curled) ends where one end is attached to the renal pelvis and the other end inside the bladder. The J shape holds the stent in place and prevents migration. The stent helps restore urine flow through blocked ureters and return the kidney to normal function. Ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder but they can become obstructed and cause a blockage in urine flow.

What causes a blockage in the ureters?
​Ureters can become obstructed due to conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, infections, and blood clots.

What is a percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement?
Percutaneous (through the skin) nephrostomy is an image-guided procedure where the interventional radiologist inserts a thin tube (catheter) through the skin into the kidney, which is connected to either an external bag or the bladder, to drain urine and/or kidney stones.

​What is a percutaneous core renal biopsy?
A renal biopsy is used to examine the kidney with kidney failure, inflammation, a suspected tumor, or signs of transplant rejection (in transplant kidneys). In a percutaneous core renal biopsy, either CT or ultrasound image guidance is used to insert a needle through the skin to remove a small sample of tissue from the kidney.