In patients who have, or might have, an obstruction (blockage) of the kidney, an internal drainage tube called a ‘stent’ is commonly placed in the ureter, between the kidney and the bladder. This is placed there in order to temporarily relieve the obstruction.
The information presented here explains the benefits to be derived from ureteric stents and mentions some of the drawbacks that patients might experience. It is divided into two parts.
JSW 9/18/2011Frequently Asked Questions about Ureteral Stents
What is a ureteral stent?
A ureteral stent is a small, soft, tube about 10 - 12 inches long and about as big around as a coffee swizzle stick
(picture above, on left). It is placed in the ureter, which is the muscular tube that drains urine from the kidney to the
bladder (picture above, on right). Each end of the stent is shaped like a pigtail. One end of the tube sits inside the
kidney, and one end sits in the bladder.
What does the stent do?
The purpose of a stent is hold the ureter open and maintain drainage of urine. It usually is used temporarily, although
in some cases the patient and Urologist elect to manage blockage of the ureter long-term with a stent.
When is a stent used?
A stent is used in a number of situations. A stent is placed if the Urologist is concerned that urine might not drain
well through the ureter, owing to blockage or as a reaction to surgery. A stent is also used after several different
operations that involve surgery on or near the ureter.
Does the stent ever fall out?
Yes, but this is uncommon. If you notice that the stent falls out, please save it and show it to the nurse in the clinic.
Does the stent cause symptoms?
Many patients do feel the stent. Most commonly there is bladder irritation, typically causing frequent and / or
uncomfortable urination. Some patients experience pain in the kidney during urination. It is also common for the
urine to be bloody when the stent is in place, and this bleeding usually increases with activity. The amount of blood
loss is rarely significant. Once the stent is removed, the symptoms resolve, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
When should the stent be removed?
If some cases the stent can be removed just a few days after the procedure, while in other cases your Urologist may
recommend that it stay in place longer. In general, a stent should be removed (or exchanged) within 3 months of
insertion, since stents left in place for longer periods can lead to blockage, stone formation, or urinary infections.
How is the stent removed?
The stent is removed by cystoscopy, an outpatient procedure. Cystoscopy involves placement of a small flexible
tube through the urethra (the hole where urine exits the body). The procedure, which usually takes only a few
minutes and causes little discomfort, is performed in an outpatient clinic or ambulatory surgery center. Most
patients tolerate having the stent removed using only a topical anesthetic placed in the urethra. Immediately before
the procedure, sterile lubrication containing local anesthetic (lidocaine) is instilled into the urethra. Since no
intravenous line is inserted and there is no anesthesia, you do not have to be accompanied by anyone else and you
can eat normally before and after the procedure.
In some instances, your urologist may decide to leave a string on the stent. The string is attached to the stent and the
string comes out of the urethra. You will be instructed on the timing of the stent removal. Follow the instructions.
When you pull on the string the stent will easily come out with it. On the rare occasion that the string breaks and the
stent doesn’t come out, contact the Urology office at (734) 936-7030. Arrangements can then be made to remove
the stent using cystoscopy.
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