Kidney stent surgery commonly refers to a procedure in which a thin flexible tube, called a ureteral stent or double-J (DJ) stent, is placed inside the ureter.
The ureters are narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. If a ureter becomes blocked or swollen, urine may not drain normally from the kidney.
A stent helps maintain an open pathway so urine can flow from the kidney to the bladder.
A ureteral stent is not usually a treatment that permanently removes a kidney stone. Instead, it is often used to restore or maintain urine drainage before, during or after treatment of the underlying problem.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized assessment of kidney stones, urinary obstruction, kidney-function abnormalities and related conditions.
Why Is a Kidney Stent Needed?
A ureteral stent may be recommended for several reasons.
Kidney Stone Obstruction
A stone lodged in the ureter can block urine flow.
A stent may be placed to bypass the obstruction and allow urine to drain.
After Kidney Stone Procedures
A stent may sometimes be placed after ureteroscopy or another stone procedure to help maintain urine drainage while the ureter recovers.
Ureteral Narrowing
A narrowed ureter may interfere with urine passage. A stent can help maintain drainage in selected situations.
Swelling After a Procedure
Temporary swelling of the ureter following treatment can affect urine flow. A stent may reduce the risk of obstruction during healing.
Other Urinary Tract Conditions
Stents can also be used in selected patients with structural abnormalities, external compression or other causes of urinary obstruction.
How Does a Ureteral Stent Work?
A ureteral stent is designed to remain inside the ureter.
The upper end sits within the kidney and the lower end sits inside the bladder. The curled ends help keep the stent in position.
Urine can flow through and around the stent, helping maintain drainage despite narrowing or swelling of the ureter.
The exact type, size and duration of stent placement depend on the patient's condition.
Is Kidney Stent Surgery the Same as Kidney Stone Removal?
No.
This distinction is important.
A kidney stent primarily helps maintain urine drainage.
A stone-removal procedure, such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy or PCNL, is performed to treat the stone itself.
A patient may have both procedures as part of the same treatment plan.
For example:
-
A stone blocks the ureter.
-
A stent is placed to restore urine drainage.
-
The patient is treated for any associated infection if present.
-
Definitive stone treatment is performed when appropriate.
-
The stent is removed or exchanged according to the treatment plan.
What Happens During Kidney Stent Placement?
Stent placement is generally performed using a minimally invasive approach.
The procedure commonly involves:
-
Administering appropriate anesthesia or sedation.
-
Passing a small camera through the urinary passage.
-
Identifying the opening of the ureter.
-
Guiding the stent into the ureter.
-
Confirming appropriate positioning.
-
Completing the procedure and monitoring the patient.
The exact technique depends on the reason for stenting and the patient's medical condition.
In some urgent cases of obstruction, a stent may be placed to rapidly restore urine drainage.
What Is a Double-J or DJ Stent?
A double-J stent, often called a DJ stent, is a type of ureteral stent with curled ends.
One end remains in the kidney and the other rests in the bladder.
The curled design helps prevent the stent from moving out of position.
DJ stents are frequently used following kidney stone procedures or when temporary drainage of the urinary system is required.
How Long Does a Kidney Stent Stay In?
The duration varies considerably.
Some stents are intended to remain for a short period after a procedure, while others may be required for longer periods in selected medical conditions.
The doctor determines the appropriate removal or exchange schedule.
A stent should not be left in place indefinitely without appropriate medical follow-up.
Patients should know whether their stent is temporary and when it is scheduled to be removed or exchanged.
What Does a Kidney Stent Feel Like?
Many patients tolerate a ureteral stent well, but some experience temporary urinary symptoms.
Possible sensations include:
-
Urinary frequency
-
Urgency
-
Burning while urinating
-
Bladder discomfort
-
Flank discomfort
-
Mild blood in the urine
-
Increased discomfort during or after urination
Symptoms can vary from person to person.
If symptoms become severe or suddenly worsen, medical evaluation is appropriate.
Can a Kidney Stent Cause Frequent Urination?
Yes.
A ureteral stent can irritate the bladder and urinary tract, which may cause:
-
Frequent urination
-
Urinary urgency
-
A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
-
Bladder discomfort
These symptoms can be temporary and often improve after the stent is removed.
However, fever, severe pain or other concerning symptoms should not automatically be attributed to the stent.
Is Blood in Urine Normal After Stent Placement?
Some blood in the urine can occur after ureteral stent placement, particularly shortly after the procedure or after physical activity.
However, heavy bleeding, blood clots, inability to urinate or rapidly worsening symptoms require medical assessment.
Follow the specific instructions provided by the treating team.
Can You Walk With a Kidney Stent?
Many patients can perform normal light activities while a temporary ureteral stent is in place.
However, activity restrictions vary according to:
-
The underlying condition
-
Recent surgery
-
Presence of pain
-
Type of stent
-
Other medical conditions
If a particular activity causes significant pain or bleeding, discuss it with your healthcare professional.
Can You Work With a Kidney Stent?
Some people can return to work relatively soon after stent placement, particularly when the procedure was uncomplicated and the job is not physically demanding.
Recovery depends on the underlying condition and whether another procedure was performed at the same time.
Your doctor can provide personalized advice regarding work and physical activity.
What Happens When a Kidney Stent Is Removed?
Stent removal is usually planned after the reason for the stent has been addressed.
Depending on the type of stent and clinical situation, removal may be performed using:
-
A small instrument passed through the urinary passage
-
A stent with a removal string in selected cases
-
Another method appropriate for the patient
The healthcare team will explain how and when the stent should be removed.
Why Is Timely Stent Removal Important?
Some ureteral stents are intended only for temporary use.
If a stent remains longer than planned, complications can develop, including:
-
Mineral deposits on the stent
-
Infection
-
Stent blockage
-
Migration
-
Difficulty removing the stent
For this reason, patients should keep track of their planned stent removal or exchange date.
If you are unsure whether your stent has been removed or when it should be removed, contact your treating healthcare team.
What Are the Possible Complications of a Kidney Stent?
Although ureteral stents are commonly used, complications can occur.
Potential problems include:
-
Urinary infection
-
Bleeding
-
Pain
-
Urinary urgency
-
Stent migration
-
Stent blockage
-
Mineral encrustation
-
Difficulty removing a long-standing stent
-
Rare injury to the urinary tract
The risk depends on the duration of placement, underlying disease and individual patient factors.
Kidney Stent and Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the common reasons for ureteral stent placement.
A stent may be used:
-
Before stone removal
-
After ureteroscopy
-
When a stone causes significant obstruction
-
When ureteral swelling needs temporary support
-
When urine drainage must be maintained
The stent itself does not necessarily eliminate the stone.
Definitive stone treatment may still be required.
What If a Kidney Stone and Infection Occur Together?
An obstructed urinary system with infection can be a serious medical emergency.
If a patient has a stone causing obstruction along with infection, the immediate treatment may involve:
-
Urgent medical assessment
-
Antibiotic treatment when bacterial infection is present
-
Drainage of the obstructed urinary system, such as with a ureteral stent or another drainage method
Definitive stone removal may be delayed until the infection has been appropriately treated and the patient is stable.
What Tests May Be Needed Before Stent Placement?
The evaluation depends on the patient's symptoms and suspected cause of obstruction.
Doctors may review:
Blood Tests
-
Serum creatinine
-
eGFR
-
Electrolytes
-
Complete blood count
-
Other tests when indicated
Urine Tests
-
Urinalysis
-
Urine culture when infection is suspected
-
Other urine investigations when appropriate
Imaging
Ultrasound, CT or other imaging may help determine:
-
Location of obstruction
-
Stone size
-
Hydronephrosis
-
Kidney anatomy
-
Ureteral abnormalities
These findings help guide treatment decisions.
Can a Kidney Stent Improve Kidney Function?
If kidney function is reduced because of urinary obstruction, restoring urine drainage may allow kidney function to improve in appropriate cases.
The extent of recovery depends on:
-
Severity of obstruction
-
Duration of obstruction
-
Whether one or both kidneys are affected
-
Presence of infection
-
Existing kidney disease
A stent does not guarantee complete recovery of kidney function.
Kidney Stent vs Nephrostomy
Both a ureteral stent and a nephrostomy can provide drainage when urine flow is obstructed, but they work differently.
A ureteral stent provides an internal pathway from the kidney to the bladder.
A nephrostomy tube drains urine directly from the kidney through the skin into an external collection bag.
The choice depends on the location and cause of obstruction, infection, anatomy and the patient's clinical condition.
What Should You Avoid With a Kidney Stent?
Your doctor may recommend temporary adjustments depending on your condition.
General considerations may include:
-
Avoid activities that consistently worsen pain.
-
Maintain the fluid intake recommended by your healthcare team.
-
Take prescribed medicines as directed.
-
Do not ignore fever or worsening symptoms.
-
Keep the scheduled stent removal or exchange appointment.
-
Do not attempt to remove a stent yourself unless specifically instructed and provided with an appropriate removal method.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop:
-
Fever or chills
-
Severe or worsening flank pain
-
Persistent vomiting
-
Very little or no urine
-
Heavy blood in the urine
-
Large blood clots
-
Severe weakness
-
Confusion
-
Fainting
-
Sudden deterioration in health
A fever associated with urinary obstruction or a ureteral stent can indicate a potentially serious infection.
Kidney Stent Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized assessment for patients with kidney stones, urinary obstruction and kidney-function abnormalities.
Depending on the clinical situation, evaluation may include:
-
Kidney-function assessment
-
Serum creatinine and eGFR review
-
Urine examination
-
Infection assessment
-
Ultrasound or CT review
-
Evaluation of urinary obstruction
-
Kidney stone assessment
-
Medical optimization before procedures
-
Follow-up of kidney function after obstruction is relieved
When ureteral stent placement, stone removal or another urological procedure is required, appropriate coordination with a urologist may be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kidney stent surgery painful?
Some patients experience temporary discomfort, urinary urgency or flank pain after stent placement. The degree of discomfort varies, and prescribed medicines may help manage symptoms.
Why is a stent placed after kidney stone surgery?
A stent may help maintain urine drainage while the ureter heals and swelling settles after a stone procedure.
Can I urinate normally with a kidney stent?
Yes. Urine normally passes from the kidney through the stented ureter into the bladder. Some patients may experience increased frequency or urgency.
Does a kidney stent remove the stone?
No. A stent primarily maintains urine drainage. A separate procedure may be needed to remove the stone.
How long can a kidney stent stay in?
The appropriate duration depends on why it was placed and the type of stent. It should be removed or exchanged according to the treating doctor's plan.
Can a kidney stent cause frequent urination?
Yes. Bladder and ureteral irritation from the stent can cause frequency and urgency.
Is fever after kidney stent placement normal?
Fever should not simply be considered a normal stent symptom. It can indicate infection and requires prompt medical assessment, particularly when obstruction is present.
What happens if a kidney stent is not removed?
A stent left beyond its recommended duration can develop mineral deposits, become blocked or infected and become more difficult to remove. Follow-up and timely removal or exchange are important.
Conclusion
Kidney stent surgery is generally a minimally invasive procedure used to place a ureteral stent and maintain urine drainage between the kidney and bladder. It is commonly used when kidney stones or other conditions cause urinary obstruction and may also be placed temporarily after certain stone procedures.
A stent can protect urine drainage while the underlying problem is treated, but it does not necessarily remove a kidney stone itself. Depending on the condition, definitive treatment may include ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, PCNL or another appropriate procedure.
If you have a ureteral stent, understanding why it was placed and when it needs to be removed or exchanged is important. Fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, very little urine or sudden worsening of symptoms should receive prompt medical attention.
For individualized evaluation of kidney stones, urinary obstruction and kidney-function concerns, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A ureteral stent is a specialized medical device, and the decision to place, remove or exchange one depends on the underlying condition, urinary anatomy, kidney function, infection status and other clinical factors. Stents can cause temporary urinary symptoms and may have complications if they become infected, blocked, displaced or remain in place longer than intended. Do not attempt to insert, remove or alter a kidney stent without appropriate medical instructions. Seek urgent medical attention for fever or chills, severe or worsening pain, very little or no urine, heavy bleeding, blood clots, confusion, fainting or rapidly worsening symptoms. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for individualized evaluation and treatment.
