Ureteral Stents: What You Should Know
After kidney stone surgery, your urologist may place a ureteral stent—a soft, hollow tube—to help the kidney drain urine while you heal. Here’s what to expect and how to feel your best until removal.
Educational content only; not a substitute for medical advice.
Overview
Kidney stones form when urine has high levels of minerals and salts that stick together, harden, and build into stones. Treatment depends on the stone’s type, size, and location, as well as how long symptoms have been present. When surgery is chosen, your urologist may place a ureteral stent to help the kidney drain while tissue heals.
What Is a Ureteral Stent?
A ureteral stent is a soft, flexible, hollow tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder. It keeps urine flowing if swelling or small fragments could block the ureter after stone treatment. Stents may be left with a small string (to simplify removal at home when directed) or without a string (removed quickly in our office).
Why it’s used
- Prevents blockage from swelling, clots, or fragments
- Protects the kidney while the ureter heals
With or without string
- With string: may allow simple at‑home removal when instructed
- Without string: quick removal in the office
What to Expect with a Stent
It’s very common to notice temporary symptoms while the stent is in place. These usually improve once the stent is removed.
- Urgency or needing to urinate more often
- Burning or discomfort when passing urine
- Blood‑tinged urine
- Bladder, lower abdominal, lower back, or flank pain
- A sensation of not emptying completely
Ways to Feel Better
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Use pain relievers as instructed by your care team
- Ask about prescription options (e.g., Tamsulosin) to reduce spasms
- Apply gentle heat with a heating pad or warm bath
Daily Activities
Most patients resume regular activity the day after surgery. If urine looks bloodier when you’re more active, take a break, rest, and hydrate. Work, travel, and social activities are usually fine. Sex is generally okay, though it may be difficult if a retrieval string is present.
Stent Removal
Stents are typically removed within the first two weeks after surgery. Removal is performed quickly in the surgery center or sometimes in the office. If stones were treated, your urologist may perform a brief look (ureteroscopy) to ensure no fragments remain in the ureter.
Before removal, it helps to drink water and take any prescribed medications. If removing at home (string present), consider taking pain medicine about 30 minutes beforehand if advised.
When to Call Us
Call our office first so we can guide you and help avoid unnecessary ER visits—especially if you have:
- Chills or a fever higher than 101.5°F
- Nausea or vomiting and you cannot keep down liquids
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
- Constant urine leakage
- A stent that appears to have fallen out