Ureteral Stents

What is a stent?

A ureteral stent is a plastic, flexible, hollow tube that helps the kidney drain urine after kidney stone surgery.

When is a stent needed?

A stent is placed if your urologist thinks the urine might not drain well after kidney stone surgery. When instruments are placed up the ureter, swelling can occur which would cause blockage and severe pain. Stents allow the urine to drain downstream despite a swollen ureter. Stents are often placed to stop stone fragments or blood from blocking urine leaving the kidney and to prevent spasms in the ureter. Stents can be left with or without a string.

Additionally stents can be placed in emergency situations when a stone is infected or is causing severe pain not controlled with medicines.

What can I expect with a stent?

It is very common for stents to cause symptoms following surgery. You may experience some of the following:

Urinary frequency and urgency
Burning or pain in your lower back during urination
Blood in the urine
Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
Discomfort or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen and/or lower back

How to manage stent symptoms?

Drink plenty of fluids
Take medication prescribed to you by your doctor (tylenol, NSAIDs, tamsulosin, oxybutynin, pyridium, or narcotics / valium as a last resort)
Use a heating pad or take a warm bath for relief of pain

Any restrictions with a stent?

Physical activity – no restrictions, but you may see more blood in your urine with increased activity

Work/Social/Travel – You will need to urinate more frequently, but it the stent should not dramatically affect your work, social, or travel activities. It is safe to travel with a stent.

Sex – If your stent is on a string, this will be a challenge. Otherwise, this should not impact your sex life.

How is the stent removed?

Most commonly removed 5-7 days after surgery in your doctor’s office (occasionally the stent stays longer, it can safely stay in place for 3-6 months). It is removed with a cystoscope (camera slides into bladder) and the stent slides out. This office procedure often takes 90 seconds.
If the stent is on a string, you can remove at home or have it removed in the office
Before the stent is removed, hydrate and take some pain medication

What can I expect after stent removal?

While most patients do not experience any symptoms after the stent is removed, some patients experience cramping due to bladder or ureteral spasms which may lead to feelings of nausea or urinary urgency. This is not unusual and will pass with time.

Continue to drink a lot of liquids and keep taking your pain medication as directed. Some doctors may prescribe medications to help alleviate these symptoms.

When to call your doctor?

Fever > 101.4
Inability to stay hydrated or keep down liquids
Severe pain unrelieved by oral medicines
Inability or difficulty urinating
Stent falls out

Remember

These symptoms are common, and do not require medical help. They will pass with time:

Pain or discomfort
Urinary urgency, frequency
Burning or pain with urination
Blood in urine
Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying