Medical Terminology Simplified

Placement of a thin tube into the ureter to prevent or treat obstruction of urine flow

from the kidney

Indwelling stents require constant monitoring because they may lead to infections, block-

ages, or stone formations. To avoid complications, they must be removed or changed peri-

odically. (See Fig. 7–13.)

Incision of a urethral stricture

Urethrotomy corrects constrictions of the urethra that make voiding difficult.

312 CHAPTER 7• Urinary System

ureteral stent

ū-RĒ-tĕr-ăl

ureter: ureter

-al:pertaining to

urethrotomy

ū-rē-THRŎT-ō-mē

urethr/o: urethra

-tomy: incision

Kidney

Inserted stent

drains urine

from the kidney

Ureter

Stent allows urine

to bypass the

blockage

Stent ends here and

allows urine to drain

into the bladder

Bladder

Figure 7-13Ureteral stent placement.