A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube placed inside the ureter to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.

Stents are commonly used after procedures for kidney or ureteric stones, when the ureter is swollen or irritated, or when an obstruction needs to be bypassed.

Although a ureteral stent can be extremely useful for maintaining urinary drainage, some patients experience uncomfortable symptoms while it is in place.

These symptoms are often referred to as ureteral stent problems or stent-related symptoms.

Common complaints include:

• Pain in the side or lower abdomen

• Bladder discomfort

• Frequent urination

• Urinary urgency

• Burning while urinating

• Blood in urine

• A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying

• Discomfort during physical activity

• Flank discomfort after urination

Most stent-related symptoms are temporary, but some symptoms can indicate infection, obstruction, migration or another complication that requires medical evaluation.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides kidney-related evaluation and can help assess kidney-function concerns associated with urinary obstruction, stones and ureteral stents.

Why Is a Ureteral Stent Inserted?

A stent is generally used to keep urine moving through the ureter.

A doctor may recommend one when urine flow is threatened by:

• Kidney stones

• Ureteric stones

• Ureteral swelling

• Narrowing of the ureter

• Temporary obstruction after a procedure

• Urinary tract surgery

• Certain structural problems

After stone treatment, a stent may help the ureter drain while swelling settles and small fragments pass.

The exact reason for placing the stent determines how long it should remain and what follow-up is required.

Is Pain Normal With a Ureteral Stent?

Some discomfort is common after stent placement.

Patients may experience:

• Flank pain

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Bladder pain

• Groin discomfort

• Burning during urination

The discomfort may become more noticeable during urination or physical activity.

This happens partly because the stent extends between the kidney and bladder and can irritate the urinary tract.

However, severe, worsening or unusual pain should not automatically be dismissed as a normal stent symptom.

The underlying stone, infection, obstruction or another complication may also be responsible.

Why Does the Kidney Hurt With a Stent?

Some patients notice pain around the kidney or side of the back after a ureteral stent has been placed.

Urination can sometimes trigger or worsen this discomfort because pressure changes within the urinary system can cause urine to move around the stent.

The original kidney stone or inflammation may also contribute to the pain.

If flank pain becomes severe, persistent or progressively worse, medical assessment is appropriate.

Bladder Problems After a Ureteral Stent

Because the lower end of the stent sits inside the bladder, some people experience bladder-related symptoms.

These may include:

• Frequent urination

• Urgency

• Bladder pressure

• Burning

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely

These symptoms can be bothersome but do not necessarily mean that the stent is damaged or incorrectly positioned.

Persistent or severe symptoms should still be discussed with the treating doctor.

Frequent Urination After Stent Placement

One of the common complaints after ureteral stent insertion is needing to urinate more frequently.

A person may feel the need to visit the toilet repeatedly even when only a small amount of urine is produced.

This can happen because the bladder end of the stent irritates the bladder.

However, frequent urination can also occur with a urinary infection.

If urgency is accompanied by fever, chills, worsening pain or feeling very unwell, medical evaluation is important.

Blood in Urine With a Ureteral Stent

Some blood in the urine can occur after stent placement or physical activity.

The stent may irritate the lining of the urinary tract, producing microscopic or visible blood.

Mild blood staining can sometimes occur during the period in which the stent is present.

However, heavy bleeding, blood clots, worsening bleeding or difficulty passing urine should not be ignored.

The amount and persistence of bleeding should be assessed by the treating specialist.

Burning During Urination

A stent can sometimes cause urinary discomfort or burning.

However, burning urination can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

Pay particular attention if burning is accompanied by:

• Fever

• Chills

• Cloudy urine

• Strong-smelling urine

• Increasing flank pain

• Weakness

• Vomiting

These symptoms warrant medical evaluation rather than assuming that they are simply caused by the stent.

Ureteral Stent and Urinary Infection

A urinary infection can occur while a stent is present.

The risk may depend on factors such as:

• Duration of stent placement

• Underlying urinary obstruction

• Previous infection

• Stone disease

• Individual medical conditions

Possible infection symptoms include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Burning urination

• Increasing urinary frequency

• Flank pain

• Cloudy urine

• Feeling generally unwell

A suspected infection may require urine testing and appropriate treatment.

What Happens If a Ureteral Stent Gets Blocked?

A stent is intended to support urine drainage, but problems can sometimes occur.

A blocked or poorly functioning stent may contribute to:

• Worsening flank pain

• Reduced urine output

• Fever if infection is present

• Kidney swelling

• Deterioration in kidney function

Reduced urine output or severe pain in a patient with a stent should receive prompt medical attention.

Additional imaging or intervention may be required depending on the suspected cause.

Can a Ureteral Stent Move Out of Position?

Stents are designed to remain positioned between the kidney and bladder.

Rarely, a stent can migrate or become displaced.

Possible clues may include:

• New or unusual urinary symptoms

• Persistent severe discomfort

• Changes in urine drainage

• Unexpected difficulty during urination

• Symptoms that suddenly become different from the patient's previous stent discomfort

Imaging can be used when displacement is suspected.

Can a Ureteral Stent Cause Kidney Problems?

A correctly positioned and appropriately monitored stent is generally used to protect urinary drainage, not damage the kidney.

However, complications such as infection, blockage, migration or prolonged retention can create problems.

This is why follow-up and timely removal or exchange are important when the stent is no longer required.

A stent should never be left in place indefinitely unless there is a specific medical plan for ongoing management.

Forgotten Ureteral Stent Problems

One important complication occurs when a stent remains in place longer than intended.

Over time, mineral deposits can build up on a stent.

A prolonged-retention stent may become:

• Encrusted

• Difficult to remove

• Associated with infection

• Blocked

• Associated with stone formation

In severe cases, removing a heavily encrusted stent may require more than one procedure.

Patients should therefore know whether their stent is temporary and when removal or exchange is planned.

How Long Can a Ureteral Stent Stay In?

There is no single duration that applies to every stent.

The appropriate duration depends on:

• Why the stent was inserted

• Type of stent

• Patient's condition

• Presence of stones

• Infection

• Ureteral healing

• Planned follow-up procedure

Some stents are intended for relatively short-term use, while others may need planned exchange when longer-term drainage is required.

The treating specialist should provide a specific removal or exchange plan.

What Happens During Ureteral Stent Removal?

The method of removal depends on the type of stent.

Some temporary stents have a visible string that allows removal according to the treating doctor's instructions.

Other stents are removed using a small endoscopic procedure, commonly called cystoscopy.

The procedure is generally planned after the doctor confirms that the stent is no longer needed.

Patients should not attempt to remove a stent themselves unless specifically instructed by their treating medical team.

Ureteral Stent Problems After Kidney Stone Treatment

Stents are frequently used around kidney-stone procedures.

A patient may still experience discomfort after the stone itself has been treated.

This does not necessarily mean that the procedure failed.

Possible reasons include:

• Temporary ureteral irritation

• Residual stone fragments

• Swelling

• Bladder irritation from the stent

• Muscle spasm

• Infection

• The original urinary condition

Follow-up imaging or urine testing may be recommended when symptoms do not settle as expected.

Can a Stent Cause Pain After Physical Activity?

Some patients notice increased discomfort after walking, exercise or other physical activity.

Movement may increase awareness of the stent or cause additional irritation within the urinary tract.

If a particular activity consistently causes significant pain, it is sensible to reduce that activity and discuss the symptoms with the treating doctor.

Patients should follow the individual activity recommendations provided after their procedure.

Ureteral Stent and Sexual Activity

Some patients experience discomfort during or after sexual activity while a stent is present.

The level of discomfort varies.

Patients should follow the instructions provided by their treating specialist, particularly when the stent was placed after a recent procedure or in the presence of infection.

Significant pain, bleeding or other concerning symptoms should be reported.

How Are Ureteral Stent Problems Evaluated?

The doctor may begin by reviewing:

• Why the stent was inserted

• Date of insertion

• Planned removal date

• Current symptoms

• Previous stone or infection history

• Kidney-function results

• Medicines being taken

Depending on the symptoms, evaluation may include:

Urine Testing

Urinalysis and urine culture may be used when infection is suspected.

Blood Tests

Testing may include:

• Serum creatinine

• eGFR

• Complete blood count

• Electrolytes

• Other tests based on the clinical situation

Imaging

Ultrasound, X-ray, CT or other imaging may be considered to evaluate:

• Stent position

• Urinary obstruction

• Kidney swelling

• Residual stones

• Complications

The choice of imaging depends on the patient's condition and the original reason for stent placement.

How Are Ureteral Stent Problems Treated?

Treatment depends on the actual cause.

Stent-Related Irritation

If symptoms are mild and expected, the doctor may recommend observation and symptom management.

Urinary Infection

A confirmed or strongly suspected infection may require appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Stent Blockage

A blocked stent may need replacement, repositioning or another method of restoring urinary drainage.

Stent Migration

If the stent has moved from its intended position, the treating specialist may recommend repositioning or removal and replacement.

Encrusted or Forgotten Stent

Heavily encrusted stents may require specialized endoscopic or other procedures for safe removal.

Residual Kidney Stone

If the original stone remains, additional stone treatment may be required depending on its size, location and clinical significance.

Medicines for Ureteral Stent Discomfort

Doctors may sometimes prescribe medicines to reduce urinary symptoms, pain or bladder discomfort.

The choice depends on the patient's:

• Kidney function

• Other medical conditions

• Current medicines

• Blood-pressure status

• Type and cause of symptoms

Patients with kidney disease should not routinely self-medicate with painkillers, particularly NSAIDs, without medical advice.

When Are Ureteral Stent Problems an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention if you have a ureteral stent and develop:

• High fever or chills

• Severe or rapidly worsening flank pain

• Very little or no urine

• Persistent vomiting

• Confusion

• Severe weakness

• Heavy bleeding or blood clots

• Fainting

• Rapid deterioration in health

A fever with flank pain in someone who has a urinary obstruction or stent can indicate a serious infection and should not be ignored.

How Can Stent-Related Problems Be Reduced?

Some discomfort cannot be completely prevented, but appropriate follow-up can reduce the risk of complications.

Helpful measures include:

• Know why the stent was inserted.

• Keep track of the planned removal or exchange date.

• Take prescribed medicines correctly.

• Follow post-procedure activity instructions.

• Report fever or worsening urinary symptoms promptly.

• Attend recommended imaging or follow-up appointments.

• Do not attempt unplanned stent removal.

• Do not ignore a stent that has remained in place beyond its planned duration.

Fluid intake should follow the treating doctor's advice, particularly when kidney function is reduced or urinary obstruction is present.

Why Follow-Up Matters After Stent Placement

A ureteral stent is usually part of a broader treatment plan.

For example, a patient may need a stent temporarily after:

• Kidney stone removal

• Ureteroscopy

• Treatment of urinary obstruction

• Management of an infected obstructed kidney

• Ureteral injury or reconstruction

The stent itself may not be the final treatment.

Follow-up ensures that the original problem has been addressed and that the stent can be removed or exchanged at the appropriate time.

Ureteral Stent and Kidney Care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized kidney evaluation for patients with urinary obstruction, kidney stones, abnormal kidney function and related complications.

Depending on the patient's condition, assessment may include:

• Review of stent-related symptoms

• Creatinine and eGFR evaluation

• Urine examination

• Infection assessment

• Review of kidney-stone history

• Evaluation of urinary obstruction

• Imaging review

• Kidney-function monitoring

• Assessment of complications affecting the kidneys

• Coordination with appropriate urological specialists when a stent procedure, removal or exchange is required

The management plan depends on why the stent was inserted, how long it has been present and the patient's current symptoms and kidney function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common ureteral stent problems?

Common problems include flank discomfort, bladder irritation, frequent urination, urinary urgency, burning and some blood in the urine. Severe or worsening symptoms require medical assessment.

Is pain normal after a ureteral stent?

Some discomfort is common, particularly around the kidney, bladder or lower abdomen. Severe, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated because infection, obstruction, residual stones or stent displacement may also cause pain.

Is blood in urine normal with a ureteral stent?

Small amounts of blood can occur because the stent may irritate the urinary tract. Heavy bleeding, clots, difficulty passing urine or worsening bleeding require prompt medical evaluation.

How do I know if my ureteral stent is infected?

Fever, chills, worsening flank pain, burning urination, cloudy urine and feeling significantly unwell may indicate infection. Medical evaluation and urine testing may be necessary.

What happens if a ureteral stent is left in too long?

A prolonged-retention stent can become encrusted, blocked or associated with infection and stone formation. It may also become more difficult to remove.

Can a ureteral stent become blocked?

Yes, although stents are intended to maintain drainage. A blocked or poorly functioning stent may cause worsening pain, reduced urine output, infection or kidney swelling and requires medical assessment.

When should a ureteral stent be removed?

Removal depends on why it was inserted and the treating doctor's plan. There is no universal duration for every patient. The stent should be removed or exchanged according to the specialist's instructions.

Can I remove a ureteral stent myself?

Do not attempt removal unless your treating healthcare professional has specifically instructed you to do so and has provided an appropriate method.

Conclusion

Ureteral stent problems can range from expected temporary discomfort to complications that require prompt treatment.

Flank pain, bladder irritation, urinary urgency, frequent urination and mild blood in urine can occur while a stent is in place. However, fever, chills, severe worsening pain, reduced urine output, heavy bleeding or persistent vomiting may indicate infection, obstruction or another complication.

A ureteral stent is generally placed for a specific medical reason and is usually part of a planned treatment pathway. Knowing the intended removal or exchange date and attending follow-up appointments are important parts of safe stent care.

If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms with a ureteral stent, specialist assessment can help determine whether the symptoms are expected stent irritation or indicate another problem.

For individualized kidney evaluation and related kidney care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or professional advice. Ureteral stent symptoms and complications vary according to the reason for stent placement, duration of use, kidney function, presence of stones or infection and other individual factors. Do not remove, reposition or modify a ureteral stent without instructions from the treating medical team. Do not start antibiotics or pain medicines without appropriate medical guidance. Seek urgent medical attention for fever or chills, severe worsening flank pain, very little or no urine, persistent vomiting, heavy bleeding or clots, confusion, fainting or rapidly worsening symptoms. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for individualized evaluation and treatment.