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.
I’ll add I removed 1 string stent about an hr ago and it was absolutely as easy as pulling off a band aid. It came out much more quickly than I expected. For me anyway it was a breeze and no pain now whatsoever. Wishing all the best to the rest of you stoners!
My daughter had stents put in for stones causing severe kidney infection. They were taken out and temporary stents put in. They were removed on Wednesday and she has extreme pain for 2 days and then got a little better. But today extreme pain back she had a ct which showed a stone in left side but the pain is on the right side. She has taken hydrocodone, naproxen, tylenol, and advil not at the same time.
Nothing relieves pain for more than a couple hours. Dr. has no answers. She has a 2 month old, 4 and 5 year old children and is struggling to cope with the pain. Any advice. She is taking flomax and potassium citrate also. Is there any end in sight for the pain??
I had severe anxiety about removing the stent. I wasn’t sure I could do it but did it on time. There was no pain. The biggest surprise was how long the string was before you got to the actual stent. I should comment that I took a naproxen and a vicodin and a percocet within a couple of hours of pullint the stent. The very tip of the interior of my tallywacher still has a little bit of nagging pain that feels like a minor cut but the removal was painless.
When mine was removed, stone material had accumulated on the Stent, an it was like ripping out a Stent with barbs on it. It was 3xtrmely pai FIL, and wow did the stones and ‘sand come out afterwards. It was awful.
One thing I wanna mention, when I had the stone that wouldn’t pass, I was getting clumps of what I guess was blood cells that formed inside the ureter, in a tube like formation. All different sizes. They looked like parasites, 🪱, worms, and I was getting a lot of them too. And they were very painful to pass as well as they would accumulated and come out on a ball, maybe 10-15 at a timeI guess what happened was that they would stack up behind the stone, li e the ureter wall, and form into a tube like formation, and every now and again the stone would shift, and the formations would pass by and pass on out. It was very freaky. I didn’t know what was going on. They really did look like works or parasites 2-3 inches in length. Docs said it was just red blood cells that coagulated and formed that way because the stone wouldn’t let the blood cells pass out easily. The blood was caused by the stone. So if you get something that loos a bit like the worm emoji above, it’s likely just red blood cells that have congealed and formed into a tube-like form apparently
Hi everyone: I had a ureteral stent removed almost three weeks ago, after having it in for a total of 8 weeks, five weeks before stone removal and three weeks after the stone removal. No idea why I needed to have it in that long other than Covid-related surgery delays. Glad to have it out, but, three weeks later, my flank still hurts off and on. Would love to hear from others who have had pain longterm or shortterm after stent removal–did it ever disappear? Is there anything we can do to try to mitigate this? I have no more bladder pain or burning (did while on stent) so I doubt it’s an ongoing infection though I guess I could go get a test at urgent care just to find out. I am not due for a recheck at urologist for three more months. My own best guess is that the stent just damaged my ureter and it’s not yet healed from the abrasion the stent caused. I’m taking probiotics (s. boulardii and a mixed lacto/bifidus one) in hopes of rebuilding mucosa, occasionally take Aleve to relieve inflammation but the pain is still there. Mild, but annoying in some positions. Open to any suggestions / comments on this issue. Thank you, and wishing you all well.
I had a stent removed today after having it in for 4 weeks after lapaorostic surgery.
I don’t feel it was necessary procedure to have done in the first place and was dreading having it out (so much so I postponed by first appointment) but the pain and irritation from the stent quickly made me change my mind and go in earlier,
I had a cystocic procedure removal by a urologist, it was quick, a couple of moments of pain that made me jump and then it was out. End to end the whole thing takes 5 minutes.
I never want another stent due to the discomfort it causes while it’s in place but wouldn’t be so scared of the removal next time, if god forbid i had to have another one.
I had a stomach drain in for previous surgery and the pain of having that removed was torturous, this was a walk in the park in comparison
Hope that helps anyone who is nervous. Yes it’s not the nicest thing but I compared it to the pain you have when going for a wee when you have a stent in, it’s not very nice, stings a bit but immediately goes away when it’s out!
This is very useful information for kidney patients.
Useful information for kidney patients.
[…] What should I expect when I have my stent removed […]
Male 58…here is my experience.
Had stent in for 18 days. Day of removal I took 600mgs of Advil, 500mgs of Tylenol and a double dose of flomax as per my surgeons instruction 1 hour before my appointment.
I arrived and removed my clothing from the waist down. Surgeon and his Nurse came in and draped my penis with a surgical blanket so it was exposed.
Nurse then “prepped” me by disinfecting the penis and inserting a gel freezing into the urethra while the surgeon prepared his instruments and explained what he was going to do and what he wanted me to do.
After a couple of minutes of waiting for the freezing to the effect the Nurse held onto my penis while the doc inserted the flexible scope into the urethra. It was an odd sensation as it felt like I was peeing backwards.
He told me I could watch it on the tv which I declined. As he passed the prostate into the bladder there was a bit of a pinch and then he filled the bladder with water as he looked for the end of the stent, again there was a strange pressure but no real discernable “pain”.
He located the stent almost immediately and then paused while he inserted the grasping tool thru the scope into the bladder.
He then told me to take 5 deep breaths while wiggling my toes and to try and pee. Mere seconds later it was over and the Nurse was cleaning off my penis with a nice warm washcloth while the surgeon showed me the stent, which was larger than I thought it would’ve been.
The reason for the “try to pee” instructions was to assist in the natural removal of the stent instead of tensing up and fighting it which he said would cause additional irritation and possible spasms.
The entire time that he was actually “inside” couldn’t have been any more than 30-40 seconds. As far as “pain” goes there was never any real pain just varying degrees of unusual sensations/pressure.
Three hours post up I developed an ache in my side that has lasted 4 days. It’s just noticeable and I haven’t taken any meds for it as it isn’t that bad.
The whole experience considering I’m a wimp when it comes to pain, discomfort and medical procedures wasn’t that bad at all. The “horror stories” from this site and others had me pretty wigged out to say the least. In fact I would take this over a root canal any day!
And of course a guys worse fear of course with an unintentional “erection” (yeah the penis has a mind of its own ladies, trust me) wasn’t even on the radar even with a strange woman handling my exposed penis for 3 minutes, LOL.
It was all very professional, very quick and yes painless. Sure everyone will have different experiences but honestly guys, RELAX and take some if not the majority of these horror stories on the net with a big grain of salt.
I’m a 22 y/o male, I was freaking out about the stent removal because I had a foley removed once (that hurt soooo bad). But this stent was nothing, it just felt like a strange sensation. No pain, worried over nothing! Went into the doctors office and it took 1 second haha.
I am a woman. I had a stent for 3 days after laser lithotripsy. I took flomax the night before i took it out, then woke up and took aleve in the morning. Half an hour later, I stood in the shower and pulled out the stent by the string. It wasn’t difficult and it didn’t hurt at all, and it only took a moment. I felt so much better after removing it. Good luck everyone!
Question im months from. Kidney stones removed stent replace and stent being removed and I cannot control my bladder anymore. If I cough i per if i sneeze I pee. Im so irritated and don’t want to have to wear panty liner rest of my life… Help what do I do
How can I get pain medication before my stent is removed?
I am very scared. I’ve got to have a stone removed and stents for 10 to 14 days. Then have it taKen out as well. I’m scared to death
Just had a 9 mm stone removed ! Put under didn’t fit or know anything until in recovery . Only burning pain when starting to pea but goes away in a day or two. The whole process was apiece of cake ! DON,T WORRY
Good to hear. I’m very nervous but have good vibes for my upcoming uteroscopy, lithographs & stent placement. I’m in good health but never had surgery. My surgeon is rated excellent but his bedside manner is not the best since I had a prev previous cystoscopy. I have a fairly large stone about 1.3 centimeter. Please be honest if this procedure
Is very painful after I get home. Doc. Is not prescribing narcotics.
Thanks so much!
Should someone drive me to and from the doctors to have my stent removed. Or am I okay to drive afterwards?
Just had my stent out today(Day 3 post utereroscopy) and was a little concerned after reading everything here. Stent was removed via a string pull in the doctor’s office. Took a hyrdocodone and Tamusolin before the appointment. There was definitely a sharp shooting pain(7-8) for me as it was being pulled out(lasted 1-2 seconds). Some pain, post the yanking(4-5), only lasted about 15 minutes or so and then I was good. First few urinations post removal have evidenced very little to no blood. Overall, think it has been good. Looking forward to a warm bath later this evening.
I am very scared. I’ve got to have a stone removed and stents for 10 to 14 days. Then have it taKen out as well. I’m scared to death
ive been bleeding red and cola colored in my urine for second month now since stent was placed in kidney. is this normal, i feel exhausted.
ive had blood, red and cola colored since stent was inserted now going on second month, i am feeling exhausted, is this normal.
No! Go back to your doctor!
Can stent b removed with good diet
PAIN!! I had no idea I would be in the same shape as when I had the stone attack!
Is it possible that a second stone was dislodged in the kidney following the removal of the stent 8 days following ureteroscopy? Immediately following the stent removal via cystoscopy there was virtually no pain and urination seemed fairly normal. However about six hours following the stent removal I experienced the sensation of having to urinate immediately after a rather unsuccessful attempt at urinating. Is it because there is still swelling in the ureter or possibly another stone?
I had a stent placed in my left kidney. I had a 6mm stone that was stuck in urethral ending.
Doctor broke it down and removed by cystoscopy.,,and installed a dj stent.
I walked around 12kms in city and drove scooter on bumpy roads.. Reading about pain scared me, but frankly I never felt any pain.. I avoided bending down ever.. I had pain and bloody urine for first two days only..and felt the stent while urinating for a week. After that I was fine.
My doctor removed it after 3 weeks ie yesterday. I was taken to operation theatre and given anaesthesia, and got up after 1 hour and I was done.. Till now no pain apart from passing urine
was it local anaesthesia
I had my stent out at 10:30 a.m. today, I’m in discomfort, am I supposed to be in discomfort?
Hey r u there
I am swelling a good amt the next day after stent removal. Is this normal?
i am having swelling in leg and foot where the stent was, it was removed 4 days ago, no swelling when stent was in
is this normal?
Should I be concerned about the blood clotting once the stent is removed? I assume this would not be dangerous.
excess blood clots could be dangerous but… a few amt. of clots are generally expected.