Ureteral stent surgery is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube called a ureteral stent is placed inside the ureter to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.

The ureters are narrow tubes that normally transport urine from each kidney into the bladder. A stone, narrowing, swelling, blood clot or another obstruction can interfere with this drainage.

A stent can provide an internal pathway around the affected area and help maintain urine flow while the underlying problem is treated.

A ureteral stent is usually temporary, although some patients require longer-term stenting with planned exchanges depending on the cause of obstruction.

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

Why Is a Ureteral Stent Needed?

A stent may be considered when urine cannot drain normally through the ureter.

Common situations include:

• Kidney or ureteric stones

• Ureteral narrowing or stricture

• Swelling after a stone procedure

• Urinary tract obstruction

• External compression of the ureter

• Certain tumors or masses

• Temporary support after ureteral procedures

• Selected cases requiring improved drainage before definitive treatment

The purpose of the stent is generally to restore or maintain urine drainage, not to permanently treat the underlying cause.

For example, if a stone is blocking the ureter, the stent may relieve obstruction while definitive stone treatment is planned.

How Does a Ureteral Stent Work?

A ureteral stent is designed to remain inside the urinary tract.

One end sits in the kidney and the other end lies in the bladder. The curled ends help keep the stent in position.

Urine can pass around or through the stent, depending on its design and the clinical situation.

By improving drainage, a stent can help reduce pressure within the urinary system when obstruction is present.

Ureteral Stent Surgery for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are one of the common reasons a ureteral stent may be used.

A stone can become lodged in the ureter and interfere with urine flow.

Depending on the situation, a stent may be placed:

• Before ureteroscopy

• After ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy

• When there is significant ureteral swelling

• When stone fragments need to pass

• When temporary drainage is required

• As part of a staged treatment plan

A stent does not necessarily remove the stone.

The stone may still require ureteroscopy, laser treatment, shock wave lithotripsy, PCNL or another appropriate procedure depending on its location and size.

What Happens During Ureteral Stent Placement?

The exact technique varies according to the patient's condition and the reason for placement.

A typical procedure may involve:

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Assessment

The doctor reviews imaging, urine tests, kidney function, medications and other medical conditions.

If infection is suspected, appropriate evaluation and treatment are important.

Step 2: Anaesthesia

Stent placement is generally performed using an appropriate form of anaesthesia or sedation depending on the procedure and patient.

Step 3: Access Through the Urinary Passage

A specialized instrument is passed through the urethra into the bladder.

Step 4: Positioning the Stent

The stent is guided through the bladder and positioned within the ureter, with one end reaching the kidney.

Imaging or endoscopic guidance may be used to confirm placement.

Step 5: Confirmation

The treating team confirms that the stent is appropriately positioned and that urine drainage is supported.

The procedure itself is often relatively short, although the total hospital or day-care stay depends on the patient's condition and the procedure being performed at the same time.

Is Ureteral Stent Surgery Painful?

Some patients experience discomfort after stent placement.

Possible symptoms include:

• Flank discomfort

• Bladder irritation

• Frequent urination

• Urgency

• Burning while urinating

• Mild blood in urine

• Discomfort during or after urination

Symptoms can vary substantially between individuals.

The presence of discomfort does not necessarily mean that the stent is incorrectly positioned.

However, severe or worsening pain should be discussed with the treating doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting or reduced urine output.

What Can You Expect After Ureteral Stent Placement?

Temporary urinary symptoms are relatively common.

A person may notice:

• Increased urinary frequency

• Urinary urgency

• Mild pelvic discomfort

• Flank pain, particularly during urination

• Small amounts of blood in urine

• A sensation of incomplete bladder comfort

These symptoms often improve after the urinary tract adapts or after the stent is removed.

Your treating doctor may prescribe medicines to manage discomfort or bladder symptoms when appropriate.

How Long Does a Ureteral Stent Stay In?

There is no single duration that applies to every patient.

The required duration depends on:

• Why the stent was inserted

• Whether a stone remains

• Whether another procedure is planned

• Degree of ureteral swelling

• Presence of a stricture

• Infection

• Kidney function

• The type of stent used

Some stents are removed after a relatively short period, while others require longer-term placement with scheduled replacement.

A patient should always know the planned removal or exchange date.

Why Should a Ureteral Stent Not Be Forgotten?

A stent that remains in place longer than intended can develop complications such as:

• Mineral encrustation

• Infection

• Blockage

• Migration

• Stone formation around the stent

• Difficulty with later removal

For this reason, patients should keep the scheduled follow-up appointment and confirm when the stent needs to be removed or exchanged.

If you are uncertain whether a previously placed stent is still present, contact the treating healthcare facility rather than assuming it has been removed.

How Is a Ureteral Stent Removed?

Removal depends on the type of stent and the patient's situation.

Cystoscopic Removal

Many temporary stents can be removed using a cystoscope passed through the urinary passage.

String-Assisted Removal

In selected patients, a stent may have a retrieval string. If this method is used, the patient should follow the treating doctor's exact instructions.

Removal During Another Procedure

A stent may sometimes be removed or exchanged during a planned ureteroscopy or another urinary procedure.

Patients should never attempt to pull out a stent unless specifically instructed by their treating medical team.

Ureteral Stent Surgery Recovery

Recovery is influenced by the underlying condition and whether another procedure was performed.

After uncomplicated stent placement, some patients can return to normal activities relatively quickly, while others may need more time because of the original stone, obstruction or associated procedure.

During recovery:

• Follow prescribed medicines

• Drink fluids according to your doctor's instructions

• Avoid strenuous activity if advised

• Attend scheduled follow-up

• Monitor urine changes

• Keep track of the planned stent removal date

Patients with kidney disease, heart disease or fluid restrictions should not increase fluid intake without medical advice.

Can You Work With a Ureteral Stent?

Many people can continue routine activities with a ureteral stent, but comfort varies.

Physical activity may sometimes increase urinary symptoms or discomfort.

Whether you can return to work, exercise or travel depends on:

• The reason for stent placement

• The procedure performed

• Your symptoms

• Your overall health

• Your doctor's recommendations

People with physically demanding jobs may require individualized advice.

Ureteral Stent Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Urinary urgency

• Frequent urination

• Burning during urination

• Blood in urine

• Bladder discomfort

• Flank discomfort

• Pelvic discomfort

These symptoms are often related to irritation from the stent.

However, symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be harmless, particularly if they become severe or are accompanied by signs of infection.

Ureteral Stent Complications

Although ureteral stents are commonly used, complications can occur.

Potential problems include:

Urinary Infection

Fever, chills, worsening urinary symptoms or feeling significantly unwell may require prompt evaluation.

Stent Blockage

A blocked stent may fail to provide adequate drainage.

Stent Migration

The stent can occasionally move from its intended position.

Encrustation

Mineral deposits may accumulate on a stent, particularly when it remains in place for an extended period.

Bleeding

Small amounts of blood can occur, but significant or persistent bleeding requires medical evaluation.

Persistent Pain

Severe or worsening pain may indicate infection, obstruction, stone-related problems or another complication.

Ureteral Stent and Infection

A person with a stent may experience urinary symptoms that resemble infection.

However, not every episode of burning or frequency means that an infection is present.

If infection is suspected, the doctor may recommend urine testing or culture and other investigations.

Seek prompt medical attention if you develop:

• Fever

• Chills

• Severe flank pain

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Markedly reduced urine output

• Rapid deterioration

An infected and obstructed urinary system can become a serious medical emergency.

Ureteral Stent and Kidney Function

A ureteral obstruction can increase pressure within the urinary system and potentially impair kidney function.

Restoring urine drainage can be important when obstruction is compromising the kidney.

Kidney function may therefore be assessed using:

• Serum creatinine

• eGFR

• Electrolytes

• Urine testing

• Imaging

The need for a stent is determined by the cause and severity of obstruction rather than by creatinine alone.

Can a Ureteral Stent Cure a Kidney Stone?

Usually, a stent is not the definitive treatment for the stone itself.

Its main purpose is to support urine drainage.

A kidney or ureteral stone may still require definitive treatment such as:

• Ureteroscopy

• Laser lithotripsy

• Shock wave lithotripsy

• PCNL

• Observation in selected cases

The appropriate option depends on stone size, location, composition, obstruction, infection and the patient's health.

Ureteral Stent Before or After Laser Treatment

A stent may be used as part of ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.

For example, a doctor may place a stent after treating a ureteral stone to:

• Maintain drainage

• Reduce the risk of temporary obstruction

• Allow the ureter to recover

• Facilitate passage of small fragments

• Support healing after instrumentation

Not every patient requires a stent after every ureteroscopy. The decision is individualized.

What Should You Avoid With a Ureteral Stent?

Your treating doctor may provide specific restrictions.

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

• Ignoring severe urinary symptoms

• Delaying scheduled stent removal

• Self-medicating with antibiotics

• Taking unprescribed painkillers

• Excessive fluid intake when a fluid restriction exists

• Strenuous activity if it significantly worsens symptoms

The safest activity and fluid plan depends on your kidney function and the reason for stent placement.

When Should You Contact a Doctor After Stent Surgery?

Contact your healthcare team promptly if you develop:

• Persistent or severe pain

• Fever or chills

• Increasing blood in urine

• Difficulty passing urine

• Very little or no urine

• Repeated vomiting

• Severe weakness

• New confusion

• Symptoms that are rapidly worsening

These symptoms may require assessment for infection, obstruction or another complication.

Ureteral Stent Surgery 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 and associated kidney-function concerns.

Depending on the clinical situation, care may include:

• Review of kidney-function tests

• Creatinine and eGFR assessment

• Evaluation of urinary obstruction

• Review of ultrasound or CT findings

• Assessment of stone-related kidney problems

• Infection evaluation

• Medication review

• Dialysis-related kidney assessment when required

• Coordination with appropriate urological specialists for stent placement, stone procedures or stent removal

Because ureteral stent placement and removal are procedural interventions, the appropriate urology team may perform the procedure when indicated, while nephrology input can be important when kidney function or systemic medical conditions are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a ureteral stent inserted?

A ureteral stent is generally inserted to maintain urine drainage when the ureter is blocked or at risk of becoming blocked. Kidney stones are one common reason for stent placement.

Is ureteral stent surgery a major operation?

Stent placement is generally a minimally invasive procedure, but the complexity and recovery depend on why the stent is needed and whether another procedure is performed at the same time.

How long does ureteral stent surgery take?

The actual placement may be relatively quick, but procedure time varies according to the patient's anatomy, the reason for treatment and whether stone removal or another intervention is performed.

Can I feel a ureteral stent?

Some patients feel urinary urgency, frequency, flank discomfort or bladder irritation. Others have minimal symptoms.

How long can a ureteral stent remain in the body?

The duration varies. Some stents are intended for short-term use, while others require planned exchanges for longer-term conditions. The treating doctor should provide a specific removal or exchange schedule.

Can a ureteral stent cause infection?

A urinary infection can occur in a patient with a stent, although urinary symptoms caused by the stent do not necessarily mean infection. Fever, chills and worsening symptoms require prompt medical assessment.

Does a ureteral stent remove the kidney stone?

Usually not. A stent primarily supports urine drainage. The stone may need separate treatment depending on its size, location and other characteristics.

Is blood in urine normal after stent placement?

Small amounts of blood can occur because the urinary tract may be irritated by the stent. Heavy, persistent or worsening bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What happens if a ureteral stent is not removed on time?

A retained stent can become encrusted, blocked or infected and may become more difficult to remove. Patients should follow the planned removal or exchange schedule.

Conclusion

Ureteral stent surgery is a minimally invasive way to support urine drainage when the ureter is obstructed or needs temporary internal support.

Kidney stones, ureteral narrowing and other causes of urinary obstruction can make stent placement necessary. A stent can relieve or prevent blockage, but it does not always treat the underlying cause. Definitive stone treatment or another procedure may still be required.

After placement, urinary frequency, urgency, mild blood in urine and discomfort can occur. Most importantly, patients should know their planned stent removal or exchange date and seek medical attention for fever, severe pain, markedly reduced urine output or rapidly worsening symptoms.

For individualized kidney evaluation and management of kidney-function concerns associated with urinary obstruction, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ureteral stent placement, duration, removal and follow-up depend on the cause of obstruction, stone characteristics, infection status, kidney function and the patient's overall health. Not every patient requires a stent, and stent-related urinary symptoms can overlap with infection or other complications. Do not remove, manipulate or delay removal of a ureteral stent without instructions from the treating medical team. Seek urgent medical attention for fever, chills, severe or worsening pain, very little or no urine, persistent vomiting, confusion, heavy bleeding or sudden deterioration. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or an appropriately qualified urology/nephrology specialist for individualized care.