What is a double J catheter?
A double J or double pigtail catheter is a small-diameter tube, named for the coiled shape of its ends. This flexible catheter is placed with one end in the kidney and the other in the bladder. Both coils prevent the catheter from dislodging and facilitate its removal.1
The function of the catheter is to ensure the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder when a ureter is obstructed.2
When is a double J catheter placed?
The placement of a double J catheter is indicated to resolve ureteral obstruction problems with the aim of properly draining the kidney.
There are other alternatives your doctor may consider to resolve the problem, such as open surgery or percutaneous kidney drainage.8
How long is a double J catheter usually kept in place?
Each case is different, as a double J catheter placed due to a tumor is not the same as one for kidney stones, so the duration is exclusively a decision for your doctor. Your urologist will therefore decide whether you should wear it for days, weeks, months, or even in very extreme cases, for life.
What is the removal procedure?
Generally, the catheter is removed on an outpatient basis using a flexible cystoscopy. Only in cases where the catheter calcifies is surgery necessary to remove it.6
Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to examine the lining of the bladder and urethra. It is performed by inserting a hollow tube with a lens through the urethra and slowly advancing it into the bladder.7
What recommendations should I follow when I have a double J catheter?
Monitoring urinary pH is important to assess the possibility of calcification of urinary catheters, as several studies have shown.3-5
Several factors affect urinary pH, but the most prominent is your diet .
According to the European Association of Urology (EAU), urinary pH acidification is necessary, and they recommend maintaining urinary pH between 5.8 and 6.2 as a therapeutic measure to prevent catheter encrustation.
1. Finney, RP. Experience with new double J ureteral catheter stent 1978. J Urol 2002 167:1135-8.
2.Sánchez Pérez,Elena; Farcha Del Valle, Mª Isabel; Pascual García, Mª Teresa Unidad Quirúrgica Hospital Infanta Leonor, Madrid
3. Hedelin H, Bratt CG, Eckerdal G, Lincoln K (1991) Relationship between urease producing bacteria, urinary pH and encrustation on an indwelling catheter. Br J Urol 67(5): 527–32.
4. Kohler-Ockmore J, Feneley R (1996) Long term catheterization of the bladder: prevalence of morbidity. Br J Urol 77(3): 347–51.
5. Burr RG, Nuseibeh IM (1997) Urinary catheter blockage depends on urine pH, calcium and rate of flow. Spinal Cord 35(8): 521–5.
6. https://www.vigora.clinic/resolvemos-tus-dudas-sobre-tu-cateter-ureteral-n-463-es
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/tests-procedures/cystoscopy/about/pac-20393694
8. http://www.san.gva.es/documents/151744/512097/Colocacion+doble+J.pdf
