We know that the prospect of needing to have a stent removed is a big source of anxiety for patients. While almost everyone can’t wait to have his or her stent out, not knowing what to expect during the removal procedure can be just as bad. To better prepare you for your procedure and perhaps relieve some of your concerns, we asked visitors to the website who have already gone through the process to share their experiences with you. The results of our stent removal survey follows. Thanks to everyone who replied and let us know what you think in the comments below.
How are people having their stents removed?
575 of you have responded to the survey over the last 3 months that it has been up. The most common method of stent removal was through the use of a flexible camera placed in the urethra (cystoscopy) in the doctor’s office, with almost half of respondents reporting this approach (45%). 17% instead had their stents removed using cystoscopy in the operating room. 12% removed their stents themselves by pulling on a stent string while the last remaining 26% had their stents removed by having their doctor’s office pull on the string. Our post on stent removal describes these techniques in more detail.
How much pain should I expect?
Out of a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain ever and 1 being no pain at all, the overall average amount of pain reported was 4.8 or a moderate amount of discomfort. However, it may surprise you to hear that the most common rating given was 1, or no pain at all, chosen by 18%. So while some patients do report a high amount of pain with their stent removal, many had no pain or only mild pain. If we look at pain by method of stent removal, average pain was relatively higher for those who had their stent removed by office cystoscopy (5.4 out of a scale of 1 to 10) followed by doctor’s office string removal (4.9), operating room cystoscopy (3.9), and self string removal which had the lowest reported amount of pain (3.8). However, these differences between method of removal are not dramatic given that the scale goes from 1 to 10.
Will I experience pain afterwards?
Most patients had no pain or only mild pain after their stent removal. Unfortunately, a third of patients (33%) did experience a severe attack of pain after their stent removal, including an unfortunate 9% who required a return trip to the emergency room for their pain. When comparing recurrent pain by method of stent removal, severe pain occurring after stent removal was more common in the self string removal group (43%) and less likely in the doctor’s office string removal group, office cystoscopy, and operating room cystoscopy groups (26%, 33%, and 33%, respectively). It’s not clear why those who pulled out their own stents were more likely to report a severe episode of pain afterwards. There is some evidence that taking a tablet of an NSAID medication (naproxen) before removing your stent can help reduce the chance of experiencing a severe episode of pain.
How did the experience compare to what you expected?
Overall, 35% felt the actual stent removal experience was not as bad or not nearly as bad as they expected. 27% reported that their experience was about what they expected. 15% felt it was a bit worse and 23% felt it was a much worse. Reporting the pain as much worse than expected occurred in 27% of those who underwent office cystoscopy, 24% of those who had their stents pulled out by the clinic, 20% of those who pulled out the stent themselves, and 15% of those who had a cystoscopy in the operating room.
If you had a choice, would you choose this option again?
Those who underwent operating room cystoscopy to remove their stents were most likely to choose the same technique again (65% replying probably or definitely would choose this method again) followed by self string removal (59%), doctor’s office string removal (55%), and office cystoscopy (50%).
While we asked respondents whether they would choose the same method for stent removal the next time, not all options for stent removal may always be available to you. For example, your doctor may choose not to use a string if he or she feels that your stent needs to remain in longer than a few days because the string can easily get snagged and the stent might accidentally be removed too early. Secondly, stent removal in the operating room is not always an option because: time in the operating room may not be available, the risk to you of undergoing anesthesia again may outweigh the benefit of having the procedure done in this fashion, the costs to you in terms of time and money involved in scheduling and preparing for an operating room procedure may not be worth it. We recommend that you talk to your doctor to go over the best option for stent removal in your particular case.
Priorities as a patient:
We asked respondents how much of a priority certain things were to them as a patient with a stent. Being informed why a stent was placed was the biggest priority for respondents (4.7 on an importance scale of 1-5). Being informed about what was actually involved in the stent removal procedure was also a high priority (4.5). Being able to have general anesthesia was a moderate priority (3.1) while being able to see a video/diagram of the process was a lower priority (2.9).
Okay, what’s the bottom line?
Most patients reported an average amount of discomfort with stent removal by any technique. Many patients actually reported no or minimal pain but about a third reported significant pain. Removal by office cystoscopy was associated with more pain on average and removing a stent yourself by pulling on the stent string was associated with less pain on average. A third of patients may experience a delayed attack of severe pain after their stent removal. Overall, about 62% reported that the experience was not as bad or about what they expected but 38% said it was a bit worse or much worse than they expected.
Editors note: Post updated on August 29th with additional survey results.
This will be my second stent removal and I already know it’s going to be horrible. I just know this will be the last of it for a very long time so I’m happy for that. I honestly don’t understand why the medical field tries to pretend the retraction on the stent is just as painful or more than a kidney stone passing. They need to treat the patient as though that’s the pain level and make sure we are sent home with proper medication so we are not running right back to the E.R. fro relief
Had my stent removed today after 3 weeks. They wanted to replace it every 4 weeks until I have baby (I’m 32 weeks) but I couldn’t stand the pain and inability to do basically anything except lay In bed. I am now having bleeding (5 hours post removal). Is this common?
I just had my stent removed out today and the procedure was fine. They took a camera up the urethra under local anesthetic and pulled it out. The after, holy crap, I would have to say that it has been more painful than the after surgery to remove the stone…
I just removed my stent this afternoon using the strings. I was semi nervous, but even more anxious to get that torture device out. I took an extra dose of percocet, let myself get extra loopy and slowly pulled. It was uncomfortable to be sure, and moments on 3/4 out of 10 pain, but I felt immediate relief. Being able to stand without that stabbing pain from the stent is an amazing feeling. I told my wife that I might need her to do it if I couldn’t, but I’m glad I didn’t. There were moments I had to stop because of the pressure.
I had my stent removed on Mar. 26, two weeks after kidney stone removal. Not a happy ccamper during the procedure. Then went home and had a horrible burning sensation at the end of my penis every time I went to pee. I think pulling out the stent caused an injjury. Called Dr and he prescribed Bactrim antibiotic which slowly seems to be improving things.
I am experiencing exactly what you have described. The burning is awful.
I had stent removed 2 days ago and still have burning urination.
How long did the burning pee last for you?
I had 2 stents removed today. The nurse removed the stents, it was quick and unpleasant, but I could do it again. There was great relief from the ureter pain I had been having and bladder pressure. About an hour after the removal, I began to get cramps and then severe pain on the left side of my back, it was awful. I’d put it up there with labor contractions after transition. Lasted about 45 minutes. Doc said I may have a few more episodes of severe pain, but I’d be Ok. I’m hopeful.
I had my stent removed a week ago and have been experiencing mild discomfort / pain on my left lower abdomen , along with a bloated feeling and mild muscle spasms in my lower back is this normal?
Scott Mackenzie from Texas via Pittsburgh?
this was the most painful short procedure I ever experienced in my life
worse than root canal
England UK.
Had stent out today at Bristol Southmead, Numbing cream stung for 2 seconds and appeared not to work after that. Putting the camera down hurt until it was in the bladder then not too bad. Doctor could not grab the stent to pull it out, she tried several pinchers, after 15 mins called in another Doctor who could not get it either, then they called in a specialist nurse who showed them what to do and out it came. This should have been a 1 minute operation but lasted half an hour, towards the end my legs were shaking and I just about had enough. When they pulled it out no pain at all , what relief….Good news was no blood, no stones on stent. Still peeing glass but this should subside soon. My bladder was severely scratched due to the stent rubbing, so glad that’s gone. I have an infection but only to be expected with a foreign body in your body. All in all a complete and utter pain in the ass, however, stone gone, stent gone, got my life back. Roger 65 years old.
I just had a Stent removed today via cystoscopy. Pain was about a 4/10, but very short in duration. This was for me the easiest part of the whole laser litho process. My advice to anyone who needs this done-ask many questions and get as much info as possible. The more you know pro and con, the better. My doc says I have about 3 more days of spasms etc while healing, but my stones are now Death Star dust. Success at last!
Today I am getting my Stent removed. This will be my 2nd one within 18 months. The last stent I got it removed in the OR room. Today I will get it done awake in the office. I am so scared out of my mind. I will NO longer want a stent I have been miserable. I also have been in and out of the hospital. I’ve been bleeding so bad after having the stent for 14 days. I really hope and pray that it won’t hurt so bad.
I got my stent out and I was so surprised that it did not Really hurt the only time it did is when they went to numb me up. I suggest to everyone get Valium I also took some pain meds and some nausea meds. Drink a whole lot of water also.
I Just Got My Stent Out Today, With Alot Of Pain, Having It Taken Out, & Pain Afterwards, I Was Peeing Alot With It In, & Still Am!! Doc Says This Should Go Away In About 3 Days Or So…HopeingI Never Have To Go Through That Again!!..My Doc Used Numming Gel, Before Taking It Out, But Didn’t Seem To Work Much!!!
I’m with you on This! It hurt so much coming out including believe the pain could get any worse! This 4.3 rating is insane. It felt like a 13 lol
I Just Got My Stent Out Today, With Alot Of Pain, Having It Taken Out, & Pain Afterwards, I Was Peeing Alot With It In, & Still Am!! Doc Says This Should Go Away In About 3 Days Or So…HopeingI Never Have To Go Through That Again!!..My Doc Used Bumming Gel, Before Taking It Out, But Didn’t Seem To Work Much!!!
Numming Gel Didn’t Work!!
I’m on day 3 after the stent removal. The pain has been ongoing on and off. I felt sitting in the bath tub with warm water of big help. Afterwards, I certainly felt much better. I tied heating pads but didn’t find them as effective. Constantly feeling harsh pain, bloating, nauseous and gassy sensations all at once were a nightmare.What an awful experience!
I always used ice cubes in big sandwich bags. Then lay bags on top of ureter area and other by kidney. Always seems like I pee a good clot then instant pain relief.
Whoops that should say blood clot.
I had laser removal 2/22 for a 6mm stone, with a stent in place unt today. The stent wasn’t to bothersome the last couple days, but the first few were awful. Now 4 hours after having the stent removed I had to take my pain meds because it feels like I’m passing another stone. When will this end?
My first stent was in for a month before being removed during laser stone removal. Temp stent with string was put in after that and I removed it myself after 3 days as per Dr’s orders.
I took 1 Advil gel 45 min before and drank 2-3 cups water also. Removed it with one slow steady pull while in the shower. I had slight discomfort during it and burned when I urinated after but only once. I thought it was going to be worse but it wasn’t.
When I had the other stent I found that if you keep your fluid intake way up,and your bowels moving it makes it a lot more bearable to deal with but still was a month of pretty much misery for me personally. A lot of time on the couch slightly reclined with a heating pad on low helped a lot !
Hi ,
Jim did you pull your stent standing up or in the tub laying down???
I want to pull this freaking stent out myself and never return to that doctor again. I have a huge lodged stone, and was in the hospital a week after having the stent put in. My bladder and kidneys are infected and the doctor doesn’t seem to give a damn. I’m literally searching the internet to see what tools I need to go in and remove it myself. Fml.
My stent was in for a month along with slight infection before my 1.1cm stone was removed via laser and basket.
All I can offer for advice is drink a lot. I know it sounds stupid cause we don’t want to drink due to the burning and pain, but when you drink way more it makes it feel better, or at least it did for me. I hate drinking water so did diluted natural lemonade and Gatorade 1/2 with water. Without a doubt the worst thing to have to experience and seemed like the dr’s think it should NOT hurt or change daily activities which is bs IMO.
Hello all, I have a stent in now. Was put in Sat. I’m allowed to remove it tomorrow morning at 9. My question is….. yes it has a string….. I accidentally caught the string with my finger. I have been peeing ever since!!!! Urine just comes out non stop! I know the stent is still in, but I’m wondering how long the peeing will last? no one told me I would have leakage like this. Any one have this happen, and what did you do?
Robyn
You probably dislodged the stent. Just happened to my wife. It will have to other be pushed in or removed completely. Right now the stent is essentially bypassing your bladder, So that’s why it’s always peeing.
I had a 8mm stone blasted on Feb. 6 ( right ureter) ….Dr. Left a stent in place …for the first week it was pretty annoying. I felt bloated and had the feeling of having to urinate all the time ,even after emptying my bladder. The second week was better but throughout the two weeks I saw blood in my urine if I increased my activities ( like housework or just being on my feet for several hours). I had my stent removed today Yea! It was not bad at all, I found the worst part was a bit of a pinch when the cystoscope was inserted in my urethra……the rest was painless. I was told I will probably pass small stone fragments the first few times I urinate …well I sure did …I would say 15 to 20 small fragments each time since the stent removal ( with no pain) . I sure pray this is the end of kidney stones for me. I plan to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day from now on. I have heard that is the key to not producing stones. Good luck to all of you who are facing kidney stone eradication soon.
Had septic shock due to a stone the size a just a bit larger than 1/2″ stuck in my ureter in Nov, 2017. Once discharged I had to return to have the nephrostomy bag removed and a stent placed (Dec 1, 2017) until I was scheduled to have the stone removed. I had no pain or discomfort with the stent. Long story short, had a failed lithotripsy (Jan. 2018) and had the stone removed via laser and retrieval. Old stent was removed and new stent was placed on Feb 16, 2018. For the past 7 days I have had nothing but pain and discomfort. I want this stent out and my life to live again. Scheduled to see doctor this afternoon and praying stent will be removed.
I had the stent put in on 2-4-18. A week later went back to ER due to pain, Stayed in the hospital overnight, hoping the they would remove the stent. I was informed that I passed the stone, however, was discharged without removal of the stent. My scheduled appointment if for 3-2-18. I am actually on the telephone now requesting a earlier appointment due to discomfort and blood in my urine. I’m scheduled for removal tomorrow. I will follow the advice of taking something for pain prior to removal and thanks to you all I have some insight as to what to expect afterwards.
I had my stent in for 2 weeks, had the 7mm stone blasted, woke up with a different stent put in with a string attached to it for another week. Was super uncomfortable with that string. I’m 30 yrs old female, 130 lbs. I could not wait to have this thing pulled out of me. When the dr pulled it out, she did it super quickly on my count to 3. It felt like my kidney was being squeezed, and a burning sensation. Felt like a bad UTI for 3 hours and then promptly went away. About 8 hours later I felt like nothing had ever happened. It’s been a week since removal, and once in a while I still get that screwdriver poking your back feeling. It’ll last for about 20 mins, go away, and then come back tomorrow at some point. Hope my experience helps!
I had a stent in for four weeks, it was god awful, felt like a full blown
bladder infection. Had it removed yesterday, the pain was god awful. On a scale of 1 to 10 for me it was 8 to 10 on and off. Doctor had a hard time getting it out since I’m so small. Never ever again, I’ll live with the stones. I suggest you take a good pain pill before having it removed in the doctors office. I had nothing, if I only new. This was my experience.
I had stent removed and couple hours later I thought I was having another kidney stone. I looked online and find this is “common” even though I was told nothing about this about this before or after procedure. I had pain beyond belief and chills so bad my teeth were actually chattering. I called doctor and was told I have UTIand my antibiotics after surgery were extended another week. I’m still confused on what’s really wrong
If I had known what kind of pain I was going to experience after the removal of the stent…I would have never done the surgery. I was in the ER for 5 hours. Chills, shaking, pain and vomiting. It has been 2 weeks and I am still going back and forth to the doctor to determine what is going on. I still can’t urinate all the way and I am constantly blouted.
That is awful,hope you ok.
I just looked this up as my son had his stent removed today. Hope you ok.. x