What is a Ureteral Stent? Procedur, Benefits, and Recovery

Ureteral stent, also known as ureteric stent or kidney stents, are small tubes inserted into the ureters to help urine pass from the kidneys to the bladder. They are often used to help manage blockages caused by ureteral narrowing, stones, or tumours. While most stents are temporary, some people with long-term urinary conditions may need them for several months or even years. Let’s learn what is a ureteral stent in detail.

What is a Ureteral Stent?

A ureteral stent is a narrow, flexible device inserted into the ureter to help urine travel properly from the kidneys into the bladder. The ureters are narrow tubes that form part of the urinary system, carrying urine from each kidney to the bladder. If the ureter becomes blocked or narrowed, a stent can help keep urine flowing normally and reduce the risk of complications.

A ureteric stent is typically made from soft, biocompatible materials such as silicone or polyurethane. They are designed to remain inside the ureter while allowing urine to pass freely around and through the tube.

A standard ureteric stent extends along the length of the ureter and features a curled end at both the kidney and bladder. These curled ends help keep the stent securely in place and reduce the risk of movement.

Healthcare providers may recommend a ureteral stent to relieve urinary obstruction caused by conditions such as kidney stones, tumours, scarring, or other disorders affecting the urinary tract. Depending on the patient’s condition, a stent may be placed in one or both ureters. Ureteric stent are also commonly referred to as urinary stents, ureteric stents, or double-J (DJ) stents due to their distinctive curled shape at each end.

Why Is a Ureteral Stent Needed?

A ureteric stent is used when urine cannot flow normally from the kidney to the bladder due to a blockage or narrowing in the ureter. By keeping the ureter open, the stent allows urine to drain properly, helping to relieve pressure on the kidney and reduce the risk of complications.

One of the most common reasons for ureteric stent placement is the treatment of kidney stones. A stent may be inserted to bypass a stone obstructing urine flow, support drainage after stone removal procedures, or help prevent temporary blockages from swelling during the healing process.

Ureteral stents may also be recommended for a variety of other conditions that can obstruct the urinary tract, including:

• Kidney or ureteral stones
• Blood clots within the urinary tract
• Scar tissue that narrows the ureter
• Endometriosis affecting the urinary system
• Chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive system, such as IBD 
• Tumours pressing on or growing into the ureter
• Ureteropelvic or ureteral junction obstructions

By restoring urine flow, ureteric stent play an important role in protecting kidney function and managing both temporary and long-term urinary tract conditions.

What are the steps for preparing for a procedure?

Before the stent is inserted, your medical team will explain why it is needed, what the procedure involves, and any possible benefits or risks.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing consent for treatment.

As part of the pre-procedure assessment, your doctor may evaluate your overall health and request certain tests to ensure the procedure can be performed safely. This preparation may include:

• Checking your medical history and any current health conditions.
• Discussing all medications you currently take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
• Identifying any allergies, particularly to medications, contrast agents, or anaesthesia
• Performing blood tests to assess kidney function and general health
• Providing instructions about fasting before the procedure, which may involve avoiding food and drinks for several hours beforehand

Is ureteral stent placement a major procedure?

Ureteric stent placement is generally considered a minimally invasive procedure. In many cases, a stent is inserted during or after a ureteroscopy, a procedure that allows a urologist to examine and treat conditions affecting the urinary tract, such as kidney stones. Most ureteral stent procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day. Depending on the type of anaesthesia or sedation used, you may need a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.

Who is involved in your care?

Several healthcare professionals work together to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively. Your care team may include:

• A urologist, who performs the ureteric stent placement and manages your treatment
• An anesthesiologist, who oversees anaesthesia or sedation during the procedure
• Nurses assist patients before and after the procedure, helping them recover and understand their care. 

Working as a team, these specialists help ensure a smooth procedure and support your recovery throughout the treatment process.

What to expect after kidney stent placement

Following the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area where your healthcare team will monitor you as the effects of anaesthesia wear off. It is normal to feel sleepy, groggy, or slightly disoriented for a short period after waking up. Before discharge, your medical team will ensure that you are recovering well and that any discomfort is adequately managed.

Recovery is generally quick enough for patients to return home on the same day.  Because anaesthesia can temporarily affect alertness and coordination, you should arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.

Common symptoms during recovery

It is common to experience mild urinary symptoms while the ureteral stent remains in place. These may include:

• A burning sensation or discomfort during urination
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination
• Mild blood in the urine, particularly during the first few days
• Occasional discomfort in the bladder, lower abdomen, or flank area
• Mild kidney pain when urinating due to urine reflux through the ureteric stent

These symptoms are temporary and often subside as your body adapts to the stent. Drinking plenty of fluids can help support kidney function, reduce irritation, and promote healing.

When should you contact your doctor?

Although some discomfort is expected, you should contact your healthcare provider if symptoms become severe or worsen over time. Persistent or significant kidney pain, heavy bleeding, difficulty urinating, fever, or signs of infection should be evaluated promptly.

Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions on stent care and schedule a follow-up appointment to determine when the stent should be removed or replaced.

How long does a stent stay?

The length of time a ureteric stent remains in the body depends on the reason it was inserted. In many cases, ureteral stents are temporary and are removed once the underlying condition has been treated and normal urine flow has been restored. For most patients, the stent remains in place for a few days to several weeks.

However, some individuals may require a stent for a longer period. This situation is often seen in cases where chronic narrowing of the ureter, tumour pressure, or other underlying issues continue to obstruct urine flow. When long-term stenting is needed, the stent must be replaced periodically to reduce the risk of complications such as infection, blockage, or mineral buildup. Your urologist will determine the appropriate replacement schedule based on your individual condition.

How is it removed?

The method used to remove a ureteral stent depends on the type of stent and how long it has been in place.

Some short-term stents are fitted with a small retrieval string that extends outside the body. In these cases, a healthcare professional can remove the stent by gently pulling the string during a quick outpatient visit.

For stents that remain in place for a longer period, removal is usually performed during a simple office-based procedure. A urologist may first evaluate your progress and, in some cases, request imaging tests to confirm that the underlying problem has resolved.

A local anaesthetic is usually administered during the procedure to help reduce discomfort. A small camera called a cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the urologist to locate and carefully remove the stent using specialised instruments.

Is stent removal painful?

Most patients tolerate ureteral stent removal well. Most people find the procedure relatively comfortable, as local anaesthesia helps reduce pain. Afterwards, some people may experience mild burning during urination, urinary frequency, or temporary discomfort in the bladder or kidney area. These symptoms are generally short-lived and tend to improve within a few days.

If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or difficulty urinating, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

What are the benefits of ureteral stenting?

Ureteral stents play an important role in restoring and maintaining normal urine flow when the urinary tract becomes blocked or narrowed. While the specific benefits vary depending on the underlying condition, stenting can provide significant relief and help protect long-term kidney health.

Some of the key benefits of ureteral stenting include:

• Restoring urine drainage: A stent helps keep the ureter open, allowing urine to flow freely from the kidney to the bladder.
• Relieving obstruction-related symptoms: By bypassing or reducing a blockage, a stent can help alleviate pain, pressure, and discomfort associated with impaired urine flow.
• Supporting the treatment of urinary tract infections: In cases where an obstruction contributes to infection, a stent can improve drainage and assist in the resolution of the infection alongside appropriate medical treatment.
• Promoting healing after surgery or other procedures: Ureteral stents are often placed after procedures such as kidney stone treatment or ureteroscopy to support healing and prevent temporary swelling from obstructing urine flow.
• Protecting kidney function: By helping urine drain properly, stents reduce pressure on the kidneys and help lower the risk of kidney damage.

Why does timely treatment matter?

An untreated ureteral blockage can lead to serious complications. When urine is unable to drain properly, pressure can build up within the kidney, potentially causing permanent kidney damage over time. In severe cases, urinary obstruction may contribute to serious infections that can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with a ureteral stent, when appropriate, can help prevent these complications and preserve urinary tract health.

What are the potential risks and side effects of ureteral stents

Although ureteral stents are highly effective in restoring urine flow and protecting kidney function, they can sometimes cause temporary side effects while they remain in place. Most symptoms are mild and manageable, but some patients may experience discomfort that affects their daily activities.

Some of the common side effects of urethral stents include:

• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Bladder irritation or a feeling of pressure
• Bladder spasms
• Burning or discomfort during urination
• Blood in the urine, particularly after physical activity
• Pain in the lower abdomen, bladder, or kidney area
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In some cases, stent-related complications may occur. These can include stent migration (movement from its original position), blockage due to mineral deposits, or, rarely, damage to the stent itself. The risk of these complications generally increases if a stent remains in place longer than recommended.

Managing stent-related symptoms

Most side effects improve over time as the body adapts to the stent. Staying well hydrated and following your urologist’s recommendations can help minimise discomfort. If symptoms become severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage pain, bladder spasms, or urinary symptoms.

When to seek medical advice?

While mild discomfort is common, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, persistent heavy bleeding, fever, chills, difficulty urinating, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve. These may indicate an infection or another complication requiring medical attention.

Your urologist will discuss the potential risks before the procedure and guide what symptoms to expect, how to manage them, and when to seek further care.

Recovery after ureteral stent placement

Recovery following ureteral stent placement is generally straightforward, although some patients may experience mild discomfort while the stent remains in place. Symptoms such as a pulling sensation during urination, pelvic discomfort, urinary urgency, or mild flank pain are relatively common and usually improve over time.

To help manage these symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend pain-relieving medications. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines may be helpful for some patients, while others may benefit from prescription medications designed to reduce urinary symptoms and improve comfort. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and discuss any concerns about pain management during your recovery.

How long does recovery take?

Most people recover quickly after ureteral stent placement and can gradually resume their normal daily activities within a few days. If the stent was placed as part of a ureteroscopy or another urological procedure, recovery may vary slightly depending on the underlying condition and treatment performed. In general, many patients can return to their usual routine within one week.

Activities to avoid during recovery

Although recovery is typically rapid, it is important to give your body time to heal. For the first few days after the procedure, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that place excessive strain on the abdomen or pelvic area. These activities may worsen discomfort or increase irritation caused by the stent.

Patients should also follow any personalised recommendations provided by their urologist regarding work, exercise, travel, and sexual activity. If certain activities cause significant discomfort, it may be best to postpone them until symptoms improve or the stent is removed.

Supporting a smooth recovery

Staying well hydrated can help reduce urinary irritation and promote healthy urine flow while the stent is in place. Attending follow-up appointments and following your urologist’s instructions regarding stent removal or replacement are also important steps in ensuring a successful recovery and preventing complications.

Conclusion

Ureteral stents play a crucial role in treating urinary obstructions, restoring normal urine flow, and protecting kidney function. Whether used for kidney stones, ureteral narrowing, or recovery after urological procedures, they provide an effective solution to help prevent complications and support long-term urinary health.

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