Having a Ureteral Stent

A ureteral stent is a soft, flexible plastic tube. It's 8 to 11 inches long. It’s temporarily put into a ureter to help drain urine into the bladder. One end goes in the kidney. The other end goes into the bladder. A coil on each end holds the stent in place. The stent can’t be seen from outside the body. It should not get in the way of your normal routine. Your stent will be put in by a doctor trained in treating the urinary tract (urologist). Or it may be put in by another specialist. The procedure is done in a hospital or surgery center. You’ll likely go home the same day.

When is a ureteral stent used?

A ureteral stent may be used:

• To bypass a blockage in a kidney or ureter.

• During kidney stone removal.

• To let a ureter heal after surgery.

Before the procedure

Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the procedure. Tell your doctor if you were ill recently. Also tell them about any allergies or health conditions you have. Be sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you take. These include herbal supplements and medicines that don't need a prescription. X-rays or other imaging tests will be done ahead of time. These tests will be of your kidneys and ureters.

During the procedure

• You receive medicine to prevent pain and help you relax or sleep during the procedure. Once this takes effect, the procedure starts.

• The doctor puts a cystoscope (lighted instrument) through the urethra and into the bladder. This shows the opening to the ureter.

• A thin wire is carefully threaded through the cystoscope, up the ureter, and into the kidney. The stent is inserted over the wire.

• A fluoroscope (special X-ray machine) is used to help position the stent. When the stent is in place, the wire and cystoscope are removed.

While you have a stent

• Some pain is normal. If you move in a certain way, it may cause pain or a feeling that you need to urinate. You may also feel mild soreness or pressure before or during urination. These symptoms will go away a few days after the stent is removed.

• Medicine to control pain or bladder spasms or to prevent infection may be prescribed. Take it as directed.

• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your urinary tract.

• Your urine may be slightly pink or red. This is due to bleeding caused by minor irritation from the stent. This may happen on and off while you have the stent.

• As with any synthetic device placed in the body, there is a risk of infection. The stent may have to be removed if this happens. 

How long will you need a stent?

The stent is often taken out after the blockage in the ureter is treated or the ureter has healed. This may take 1 week to 2 weeks, or longer. If a stent is needed for a long time, it may need to be changed every few months.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if:

• Your urine contains blood clots or you see a large amount of blood-tinged urine.

• You have symptoms similar to those you had before the stent was placed.

• You constantly leak urine.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• You have chills.

• You experience nausea or vomiting.

• Your pain is not relieved with medicine.

• The end of the stent comes out of the urethra.

• You experience new or worsening symptoms.