Told You Need a Ureteral Stent? Here Is Exactly What to Expect and Why It Helps

If your doctor told you that you need a ureteral stent, you might feel a bit worried. When people hear the word stent, they often think of heart procedures. However, this is completely different and is designed to help your urinary system work smoothly.

There is truly no need to panic. Let us break down everything you need to know about this tiny device in plain, simple English.

A ureteral stent supports your kidneys and bladder during recovery. Understanding how it works can make your entire medical journey much easier and less stressful.

What Is a Ureteral Stent?

Think of your two kidneys as water filters inside your body. To carry the filtered urine down to your bladder, you have two small tubes known as ureters.

A ureteral stent is a very thin, flexible tube made of medical-grade silicone or polyurethane. Its main job is to keep your ureter open so urine can flow without getting blocked. You can think of it like placing a small support tube inside a garden hose to fix a kink.

This stent is usually 10 to 15 inches long. It is uniquely designed with curls at both ends so one curl stays in your kidney and the other stays in your bladder. Because of this shape, doctors often call it a Double-J stent.

Why Do You Need a Stent?

The primary reason for getting a stent is a ureteral obstruction. When something blocks your ureter, urine cannot travel down to your bladder properly. This backup can damage your kidney or cause painful infections.

The stent bypasses the blockage to restore normal urine flow. The table below outlines the most common reasons doctors place a ureteral stent.

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Is Stent Placement a Major Surgery, and How Do You Prepare?

No, this is not a major surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning there are no large surgical cuts. Doctors place it through natural body openings.

Most patients go home on the same day. Because doctors use anesthesia, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home safely.

Before your procedure, your doctor will guide you through several important steps:

• Share your complete health history and any known drug allergies with your medical team.
• Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements, because some drugs increase bleeding risks.
• Complete any ordered lab tests, such as an eGFR blood test, to check your kidney function.
• Follow fasting instructions carefully, which usually means avoiding food and drink for about 8 hours before the procedure.

How Is the Stent Inserted?

A urologist, who is a urinary tract specialist, usually performs this procedure. You will receive general anesthesia or sedation, so you will sleep comfortably and feel no pain.

Once you are asleep, your doctor follows these precise steps:

1. First, medical imaging equipment or a kidney ultrasound helps the doctor locate the exact blockage.

2. Next, the doctor guides a thin, lighted telescope called a cystoscope through your urethra and into your bladder.

3. Through this cystoscope, the doctor passes a very thin guide wire up into your blocked ureter.

4. The doctor then slides the ureteral stent carefully over that guide wire into the correct position.

5. Once the stent is secured, the doctor removes the guide wire and cystoscope. The stent remains safely inside your body.

This entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. However, plan to spend a few hours at the hospital for preparation and recovery monitoring.

What Happens After Stent Placement?

When you wake up after the procedure, you may feel a bit groggy. Nurses will give you medicine to control any discomfort and encourage you to drink plenty of water to flush your kidneys and bladder.

During the first few days, you can expect several normal side effects:

• Mild blood in your urine (hematuria): This is very common and gradually fades away as you heal.
• Burning or mild discomfort: You might feel a stinging sensation when you urinate during the first few days.
• Frequent urge to urinate: The presence of the stent can irritate your bladder wall, making you feel like you need to go more often.
• Kidney or flank ache: Some people feel a mild dull ache in their lower back or side when they urinate.

These mild symptoms often fluctuate while the stent is in place. However, if you experience unbearable pain or heavy bleeding, contact your doctor right away.

How Long Must the Stent Stay In Your Body?

The time your stent stays in depends entirely on your medical condition. For most patients, these stents are temporary and remain in place for a few days to several weeks until healing is complete.

Some patients with chronic conditions need a stent for longer periods. In those cases, doctors replace the old stent every 3 to 6 months to prevent mineral buildup and reduce the risk of infection.

How Is the Stent Removed? Is It Painful?

Removing a ureteral stent is a quick and straightforward process.

• Stents with a removal string: For short-term stents, doctors sometimes leave a thin string hanging outside the body. Your doctor simply pulls this string gently to remove the stent.
• Stents without a string: If there is no string, the doctor uses a cystoscope just like during insertion. They apply a numbing gel to keep you comfortable, so you will mostly feel minor pressure rather than sharp pain.

You might notice a mild burning sensation or minor bleeding for a day or two after removal, which is completely normal.

Benefits and Possible Complications

Like any medical treatment, ureteral stents offer major health benefits along with potential side effects.

How to Reduce Stent Discomfort

You can manage most stent discomfort with simple care steps and approved medicine. Never take over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs without asking your doctor first. Your doctor may prescribe specific medicines, such as tamsulosin, to relax your muscles and ease bladder spasms.