A ureteral stent is a small, flexible tube that may be placed temporarily inside the urinary tract during or after certain kidney stone procedures. It helps maintain urine flow from the kidney to the bladder while the ureter recovers.

The words kidney stone surgery stent can understandably cause concern for patients who have been advised to undergo stone removal. A stent is not itself a treatment for the underlying stone in most situations. Instead, it is used as supportive care when the treating specialist believes that maintaining drainage is beneficial.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides specialist evaluation and management of kidney-related conditions and helps patients understand appropriate treatment options.

What is a kidney stone stent?

A ureteral stent is a thin tube positioned inside the ureter, the passage that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

The ends of the stent are designed to remain positioned within the kidney and bladder. This helps prevent the tube from moving out of place and allows urine to continue draining.

A stent may be used temporarily following procedures such as ureteroscopy and laser treatment for urinary stones.

Why is a stent used after kidney stone surgery?

A stent may be recommended for several reasons.

To maintain urine drainage

After stone treatment, swelling of the ureter can temporarily interfere with urine flow. A stent helps maintain an open drainage pathway.

To support ureteral healing

Manipulation of the ureter during stone treatment can cause temporary irritation or swelling. A stent can provide drainage while the tissue settles.

To reduce the risk of obstruction

Stone fragments, swelling or blood clots can occasionally interfere with urine flow. In selected patients, a stent can help reduce this risk.

When the procedure is complex

Patients with larger stones, multiple stones or more extensive ureteral treatment may be more likely to require temporary stenting.

Not every patient needs a stent. The decision is based on the procedure, stone characteristics and individual circumstances.

Is a stent always required after kidney stone surgery?

No.

Some uncomplicated stone procedures can be completed without leaving a stent.

The decision may depend on:

• Stone size
• Stone location
• Degree of ureteral swelling
• Presence of infection
• Complexity of the procedure
• Ureteral injury or irritation
• Whether there are remaining fragments
• The patient's overall condition

Your treating specialist can explain why a stent is recommended in your particular case.

What does a kidney stone stent look like?

A ureteral stent is a narrow, flexible tube.

It is positioned internally, so there is generally no visible tube outside the body when a standard internal stent is used.

The curved ends help keep it positioned between the kidney and bladder.

What does a kidney stent feel like?

Patients can experience different symptoms while a ureteral stent is in place.

Common symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Bladder discomfort
• Mild lower abdominal discomfort
• Flank discomfort
• Burning during urination
• Blood-tinged urine
• Discomfort that becomes more noticeable after physical activity or urination

The severity varies considerably between individuals.

Some patients experience very little discomfort, while others find stent-related symptoms more noticeable.

Is pain normal with a kidney stone stent?

Mild discomfort can occur while a stent is in place.

Some patients notice discomfort in the side or bladder area, particularly during urination or physical activity.

However, severe or worsening pain should not simply be assumed to be a normal stent symptom. It should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting or difficulty passing urine.

Can you walk with a kidney stent?

Many patients can walk and perform normal daily activities with an internal ureteral stent.

However, strenuous exercise or activities that increase discomfort may need to be temporarily reduced according to the treating doctor's instructions.

Recovery recommendations depend on the procedure performed and the patient's overall condition.

Can you urinate normally with a kidney stone stent?

Yes. A ureteral stent is designed to allow urine to travel from the kidney to the bladder.

Some patients may notice:

• Increased urinary frequency
• Urgency
• Mild burning
• A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
• Blood in the urine

These symptoms can occur because the stent can irritate the bladder and urinary tract.

How long does a kidney stone stent stay in?

The duration varies according to the reason it was inserted.

A stent may be left in place for a relatively short period after an uncomplicated stone procedure, while more complicated cases may require longer placement.

The exact removal date should always be confirmed with the treating medical team.

Patients should not assume that a stent can remain indefinitely simply because symptoms are manageable.

What happens if a stent is left in too long?

Ureteral stents are generally intended for temporary use unless a doctor specifically recommends longer-term stenting with planned monitoring and exchanges.

Leaving a stent in place longer than advised can increase the risk of complications such as:

• Encrustation
• Infection
• Stent blockage
• Stone formation around the stent
• Damage to the urinary tract

For this reason, keeping track of the planned removal or exchange date is extremely important.

How is a kidney stone stent removed?

The removal method depends on the type of stent used.

Some temporary stents have a retrieval string, while others are removed using a small procedure through the urinary passage.

When cystoscopic removal is required, a small instrument is introduced through the urinary passage to grasp and remove the stent.

The treating doctor will explain the planned method before removal.

Does kidney stent removal hurt?

Stent removal is generally a short procedure.

Some patients experience temporary discomfort, burning during urination or urinary urgency afterward.

The experience varies from person to person.

What should you do after kidney stone surgery with a stent?

Follow your medical team's instructions carefully.

Depending on your individual condition, you may be advised to:

• Take prescribed medicines
• Maintain appropriate fluid intake
• Avoid strenuous activities temporarily
• Monitor your urine
• Attend the scheduled follow-up
• Keep the stent removal appointment
• Report concerning symptoms promptly

Patients with fluid restrictions or certain kidney conditions should follow their doctor's specific fluid recommendations rather than increasing fluids on their own.

Can a kidney stent cause blood in urine?

Yes. Mild blood-tinged urine can occur while a ureteral stent is in place, particularly after physical activity.

However, heavy bleeding, worsening symptoms or blood accompanied by significant pain, fever or difficulty urinating should be evaluated promptly.

Can a stent cause urinary infection?

A urinary tract infection can occur in patients with urinary stents.

Contact your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Increasing urinary discomfort
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Worsening flank pain
• Feeling significantly unwell

A fever after a urinary procedure should receive prompt medical attention because urinary infections associated with obstruction can become serious.

Kidney stone stent and laser surgery

Ureteroscopic laser treatment is one procedure in which a temporary ureteral stent may be used.

During ureteroscopy, a small scope is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. Laser energy can fragment the stone, allowing the fragments to be removed or pass afterward.

A stent may then be placed when the treating specialist considers it appropriate.

The need for a stent depends on the individual procedure rather than simply the fact that laser treatment was performed.

What happens if stone fragments remain after surgery?

Small residual fragments may sometimes remain after stone treatment.

Depending on their size and location, they may pass naturally or require monitoring.

Follow-up imaging can help determine whether stones remain and whether additional treatment is necessary.

A stent does not necessarily mean that a stone is still present.

Can you sleep normally with a kidney stent?

Many people are able to sleep normally, although some experience discomfort when changing position or increased urinary urgency at night.

Using the bathroom before sleeping and following the treating doctor's recommendations may help reduce inconvenience.

Persistent or severe nighttime pain should be discussed with the medical team.

Kidney stone stent versus nephrostomy tube

A ureteral stent and nephrostomy tube both help drain urine, but they are different.

A ureteral stent is placed internally through the urinary tract and connects the kidney to the bladder.

A nephrostomy tube is inserted through the skin directly into the kidney and generally drains urine into an external collection bag.

The choice depends on the patient's condition, degree of obstruction, infection and the planned treatment.

When should you contact a doctor urgently?

Seek prompt medical attention if you have:

• High fever or chills
• Severe or worsening flank pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty passing urine
• Very little urine
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe weakness
• Confusion or significant deterioration

These symptoms may indicate infection, obstruction or another complication requiring immediate evaluation.

Preventing future kidney stones

Removing a stone does not necessarily prevent another stone from developing.

After treatment, prevention may involve identifying why the stone formed.

Depending on the case, a specialist may recommend:

• Stone analysis
• Blood tests
• Urine metabolic evaluation
• Appropriate fluid intake
• Reducing excessive dietary salt
• Individualized dietary modifications
• Management of conditions associated with stone formation

Dietary recommendations should be based on the type of stone and the patient's overall health.

Kidney stone treatment and stent care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke provides specialist evaluation for patients with kidney stones and associated kidney conditions.

An individual treatment plan may take into account:

• Stone size
• Number of stones
• Location
• Urinary obstruction
• Kidney function
• Infection
• Previous stone procedures
• Risk of recurrence

Patients can receive guidance regarding evaluation, stone management, postoperative monitoring and follow-up care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do doctors put a stent after kidney stone surgery?

A stent may help maintain urine drainage while the ureter recovers from swelling or irritation after stone treatment. It may also be useful when there is a risk of temporary obstruction.

Is a kidney stent permanent?

Most stents used after kidney stone procedures are temporary. The planned removal or exchange date should be confirmed with the treating doctor.

Can I work with a kidney stone stent?

Many patients can return to routine activities, depending on the procedure and symptoms. Your doctor can advise when you can safely resume work and exercise.

Is blood in urine normal with a stent?

Small amounts of blood can occur with a ureteral stent. Heavy bleeding or bleeding associated with severe pain, fever or difficulty urinating requires medical assessment.

Does everyone need a stent after laser kidney stone surgery?

No. Stenting depends on the individual procedure, stone characteristics and the condition of the ureter.

What happens if I forget to get my stent removed?

Contact your treating medical team as soon as possible. A stent should not be left in place longer than recommended because prolonged placement can increase the risk of complications.

Conclusion

A kidney stone surgery stent is a temporary medical device that may be used to maintain urine drainage after certain stone procedures. It can be particularly useful when the ureter is swollen, irritated or at risk of temporary obstruction.

Urinary frequency, mild discomfort and some blood in the urine can occur while a stent is present, but severe pain, fever, difficulty passing urine or significant bleeding should be medically assessed.

The timing of stent removal varies from patient to patient. Keeping the scheduled follow-up appointment is important to prevent complications associated with prolonged stent placement.

For personalized evaluation and kidney stone management, patients can consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The need for a ureteral stent, the duration of placement and the method of removal vary according to the patient's condition and procedure. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or manage a stent without medical guidance. Fever, chills, severe or worsening pain, inability to pass urine, very little urine, heavy bleeding or persistent vomiting require prompt medical assessment. For individualized diagnosis, treatment and postoperative advice, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional.