Ureteral stent: placement and removal
ureteral stent · JJ stent · kidney stent · stent removal
A stent is a thin, soft tube inside the ureter, the tube from the kidney to the bladder. It helps urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.
For stones, after kidney or ureter surgery, or when urine has trouble draining.
⏱ Duration: placement or removal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes; the stent stays from a few days to a few months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Tests. A urine test is usually needed, sometimes a blood test. The clinic will give you a list.
- Numbing. Sometimes the procedure is done with local numbing, sometimes under anesthesia. If you have anesthesia, do not eat or drink beforehand. The clinic will tell you the time.
- Date. Write down the date when the stent must be removed or replaced.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Your referral and test results
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You lie on the exam chair or table
- The urethra is cleaned, and a numbing gel is put in
- The doctor passes a thin tool with a camera into the bladder
- Through it, the stent is placed, or the old one is grabbed and taken out
- The stent position is sometimes checked with an X-ray
What you'll feel
- Pressure and an urge to pee during the procedure
- After placement: frequent urges and a pulling feeling in your side, especially when you pee
- Pinkish urine is common for the first few days
Afterwards
- Drink more water, unless your doctor told you to limit fluids
- A little blood in the urine is common with a stent
- Do not miss the removal date. A stent must not be left in too long
- After removal, the discomfort usually goes away in 1 to 2 days
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A fever over 38°C with chills: call emergency services
- Severe pain in your side that does not go away
- No urine at all
- A lot of blood or clots in the urine
Common questions
Why do I keep needing to pee with a stent?
The stent irritates the bladder. This is a common complaint, and your doctor may prescribe something to ease it.
What happens if I forget to remove the stent?
Minerals build up on it, and it can get blocked and stuck. It must be removed on time.