What is a stent?
Ureteral stents are soft, hollow, plastic tubes placed temporarily into the ureter to allow drainage around a stone or to speed healing after a stone surgery
When are they needed?
Stents are used for various reasons in patients with kidney stones. They may be placed in patients to help reduce pain from a stone, when infection is present to allow drainage, or when a stone is preventing a kidney from working adequately. Stents are also commonly placed after surgeries for stones, as in ureteroscopy, to allow healing and prevent swelling of the ureter.
How is a stent placed?
Stents are placed during surgery by sliding them over a soft “guidewire” which is placed up the ureter, which is the tube draining the kidney. See a video below of a stent being placed.
How is a stent removed?
Stents can be removed in two different ways. Sometimes, a string is left attached to the end of the stent. This string is allowed to come out of the patient’s urethra, the tube where he or she urinates. The string can be used to pull on the stent and remove it. In cases where a string is not left attached, a small camera called a cystoscope is inserted into the patient’s urethra after numbing medication has usually been administered. The cystoscope is then advanced into the bladder and the stent is grasped with an instrument and removed. See our post on stent removal for a video and more details.
How long can a stent stay in?
In general, most stents should only remain in for no longer than 3 or so months. If a stent is left in too long, it can form stones directly on it, making removal difficult.
What are the symptoms of having a stent?
While some patients with stents have minimal discomfort related to them, other patients will report symptoms that can range from being annoying to being severe enough that the stent has to be removed. These symptoms can include:
- Sensation of needing to urinate
- Seeing blood in the urine
- Bladder spasms
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain in the back during urination or when moving
- Pain in the bladder
Is there anything that can help reduce the discomfort of a stent?
Different medications may be given to help reduce the discomfort of a stent. The most effective appears to be those from the alpha blocker class of medications including tamsulosin (Flomax) and Alfuzosin (Uroxatral). Other types of medications commonly given for stent discomfort, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or phenazopyridine (Pyridium), do not appear to be successful at reducing stent related discomfort in placebo controlled studies. Traditional pain medications are also less successful at reducing stent discomfort.
Hasn’t anyone come up with a better stent?
Research into improving stent designs will hopefully reduce the discomfort associated with them. Innovative stent designs currently being tested include stents embedded with medications to reduce discomfort and stents that dissolve by themselves.
Stent removal synopsis: no big thing. I required cystoscopy to remove my stent, and that was the only difficult part. Urethras are very sensitive and don’t like to have things shoved up inside of them. So, ouch. However, the discomfort was manageable.
I felt some slight cramping as the stent was pulled down and out. The whole removal process lasted about five minutes. Afterwards, I felt the need to void for about thirty minutes. Also, I experienced some ureteral spasms for a few hours.
For anyone with pelvic floor issues (pain, neuropathy), I found out that sedation is a possibility. Your physician can schedule an alternate procedure scenario, whereby, you are lightly sedated and pain medication is administered, prior to stent removal. This is an option that’s available and good to know about, if you need it.
Also, I want to state that my experience improved, when I changed physicians. I was not happy about having a nosocomial infection, putting up with a UTI, and a dealing with a migrating stent. So, I sought out referrals for a new doctor. I interviewed a new physician, and I’m so pleased with my decision to get a second opinion. New tests/cultures were performed. The problem bacteria was cultured and tested for sensitivity, and an appropriate antibiotic was prescribed. I feel so much better.
Cheers! My stent is out. I had it in for almost three months, and felt it every day. I experienced immediate relief upon removal.
One evening, I was in a great amount of pain, with what I thought was a kidney stone. Fast forward eight days, and two hospitalizations later: I found out that my ureter was completely obstructed due to inflammation. Thanks to lupus, I developed a ureter stricture near my bladder. I now have a sweet little stent in place. I HATE this thing so much. It’s been in three weeks now, and I’ve had a continuous UTI. Prior to this happening, I had only experienced a UTI, once in my life. There’s nothing that I can do differently, the stent is the reason why I have an infection (developed the day after surgery). I can take the pain, pink-lemonade color urine, and the discomfort. I am pissed off by the UTI.
Yes, my stent hurts. However, I still work out. I lift weights, engage in cardio, and I’m active. Every time I void, the stent lets me know it’s still there. Following workouts, it’s a beast. I’m just thankful to have a healthy kidney, no more hydronephrosis. So, the stent will be with me for a few more weeks. Hopefully, my inflammation and UTI will subside soon. As I can’t wait to get this thing outta me.
For ppl that need to get a stent placed, it’s not fun. If you’re reading this and concerned abut pain/infection, it’s going to happen. You will hurt: the first void is the worst. The first three days are horrible, but it will get better. Things that have helped to decrease the pain for me: keep hydrated, avoid carbonated beverages, limit intake of citrus/chocolate/caffeine, skip the vitamin D supplements (why does this irritate the bladder?), and stay active. *Yes, my urine is foamy. It was explained to me that this is from the stent and the UTI.
I will post an update after I get my stent removed. I wish everyone well. I’m so sorry that we have to go through this, but we’re not alone. Thanks to all the ppl that posted their experiences, you’ve helped me to feel better.
Update: just got out of the ER, my stent migrated. Due to the UTI that I can’t get rid of, the stent moved down into my ureter. So, I developed hydronephrosis again. Not fun.
More IV antibiotics for me. Magically, the stent moved back into position after the infection was treated. Hopefully, it will stay in place. I think it might need to be removed & a new one put in its place. There has to be a better way to treat ppl with stones and other types of obstructions.
Sorry I know what you’re going through I have a 7 mm stone and had a procedure to have it removed and but was unsuccessful and they put a stent into me and it’s been hell every since I have a uti and pain in my side and when I pee I can barely walk sometimes this is the most worst thing I have ever been through and now I have to have the same procedure again on Friday hopefully they won’t have to put the stent back in I haven’t been able to work since the procedure hopefully this is it this time I’m very frustrated
I hope that your health and wellness has improved, and that you are now stent-free. I wish that there was a better way to treat kidney obstructions. I never want another stent, ever.
Im going to get my stent removed soon, but im scared. I cant imagine how much pain it will cost me during removal process. I hope they can give me half body numbing
I had a stint placed last Wednesday (Oct. 17th). I think I must have accidentally pulled the string while trying to clean myself trying to urinate. Now I’m leaking urin out constantly, sitting or standing and have to wear a pad continually and it’s soaked. Is this normal! I call the surgeon however he never returned my call.
Pull it out
I had the same issue and I pulled mine out and had no lasting effects from it
Just got a Stent put in today for a 3mm stone that I’ve had for 7 weeks!
The pain from the stent is full on! Haven’t slept all night as I’m going 4 times to the loo every hour.
What confused me today was, the doctor before I was given anaesthetic, said the radiologist didn’t know if the stone was in my ureter or outside it.. how on earth could it be outside the ureter and not in the bladder??
Anyone else heard of this?
Good evening everyone. I have had many stones and surgeries since my first stone at 25 and I am now 65. My stones are all calcium. This comment will be very valuable to many of you. Trust me, I consider myself an expert and have passed stones 1/2 the size of a dime with no pain. Don’t worry I am not selling anything, just trying to help those in pain. As I write this comment I am currently recovering from my 2nd surgery in two weeks. I had a 14mm stone blocking the kidney and several other smaller ones in the right kidney. The surgery required laser and litho at the same time. I also have large stones in left kidney that will require litho next week. I currently have a stent in both kidneys. I am writing to tell those of you that are facing a stent application to beg….and I mean beg your urologist to insert the stent with a string. Nothing hurts worse than the removal process without a string..trust me, I have had many. Ok for those of you that have a stone moving here is the best process for getting rid of them that I have discovered in 40 years. Mix a shot glass of virgin olive oil with a shot glass of lemon juice ( can be concentrate). Drink it all at once and follow with another fluid of your choice. This mixture serves 4 processes. A. Acts as a diuretic.B. Acts as painkiller, C. Lubricates the passages so the stone flows smoothly, and D. It acts as an antibiotic. Trust me it works and this site will be lit up with those thanking me. This treatment has been used for years in Europe. I have passed 100’s of stones using this process. I literally have saved people thousands in surgeries by giving them this remedy. Should you not trust me, please pull up the information yourself. Olive oil and Lemon Juice for kidney stone removal. This remedy will also take the sharpe edges off the stones eliminating most of the pain.
God Bless nad Good Luck
This is my second rodeo with kidney stones and it is NOT fun! Six years ago was my first 6mm nightmare. I was home for 3 months, had 2 lithotrispies because of complications and ultimately lost my job. Bills poured in and as a single mother with a 7 year old it was a horrific time. I have tried everything/anything I could to prevent this from happening again.
Well, here I am again scared, in-pain, peeing a teaspoon every 10 minutes and an emotional wreck. Thank God this time my employer is letting me telecommute from home. It does help to keep my mind engaged. This round I had a terrible infection on top of an 8mm and 3mm lodged in my urethra and I was just informed that this time they would leave a string attached to the stent so I could pull it out after the ureteroscopic procedure. They are out of their $#@&!^% minds!!! I am glad that I found this site and to know I am not alone. My surgery is scheduled for 9/14/18 and I am a mess! I feel all your pain and pray every day for a better way to end these little bastards once and for all.
Did you have the surgery? How did everything go? I currently have a 7mm stone in my left kidney. I had a stent placed on 10/23/18, no string kind. I had shock wave procedure done to bust up the stone, that unfortunately wasn’t successful so the stent is still in and I have to go back for another shock wave procedure. I’ve definitely been struggling with all of this and it’s comforting to see and read others stories about this.
Tried that once and the mixture made me vomit. There a lot of home remedies online and they are all, without a doubt, crap. Prevention is key…not heresay, never works home remedies. I take it many of you are from England as that is where they attach strings to the stents. In the States they are removed in a doctor’s office with a numbing agent. I’ve had them in both kidneys 3 times after ureteroscopy. I’ve also had several lithotripsies and, for those of you not in the know, there are only so many you can have of those without getting kidney damage.
Read up on real treatments and what you can do on your own at the University of Chicago website by Dr. Frederick Cole who has been studying these for over 50 years. And University of Alabama for great lists on package contents in food.
That last part why have read oxalate contents in food
I just had a stent placed and it has a string.. I am in the states and those are available to us.
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Simon in Australia, got a 30 mm stone, had stent in 6 weeks & still waiting for removal. Losing blood every day! Lots of clots coming out to, now I know why Tom Hanks dropped to his knees in Green Mile….. 😢
I have had a stint in me for over a year they keep giving me the runaround why they won’t remove it at this point of almost given up I’m in extreme pain constantly I don’t take any pain medicine for it have a hard time moving how bad is this for me I’m essentially homeless and have no money to pay them for the surgery
Public aid and get a different doctor.
It has been so interesting to read your comments. Had a 7mm stone, rushed to ER, only to be told it won’t pass. Had to have a stent put in, and wait two weeks for surgery. The stent was the worst pain ever. I could barley walk, hurt to pee, and in constant pain. Had surgery to have stone removed, then another stent placed for two more weeks. Not as painful the second time, but extremely uncomfortable. What a horrible month. I feel so bad for anyone that has gone through this.
Went to the ER 3 TIMES in the month of June due to a 3mm stone. got a doc’s appt 3 weeks later and I was fine but later that weeks I had severe pain so did scheduled me for laser litho. Turns out the pain I experienced after the doc’s appt was because I passed the stone. But they still did the surgery and woke up with a stent. Stent was in for two days and then removed it. It’s been a week and I’m having severe bladder spasms and nothing is working. It feels like I’m passing another kidney stone and I’ve been out of work since. I wouldn’t recommend litho or a stent
Hey all
So my story is a horrible one
So about 2 weeks ago I started getting really bad pain down the left hand side of my body so much so I had to go to the hospital they didn’t do much said I had a 5mm stone in my tube that was traveling in to my bladder hense the pAin .. after a couple of days and trips to my gp and extreme pain I got rushed into hospital because the pain was so bad I couldn’t do anything and painkillers wasn’t working was in their a total of 4 days and they operated on me to remove the stone and place a stent.. told me to come back in 2 days for it to be removed. Was in extreme pain with stent in ..finally I had stent removed hoping that would be the end of it ..
but sadly no it wasn’t
The same day as having the stent removed I was again in so much pain I couldn’t even move , I called my doctor who said I need to get a ambulance to hospital witch was rushed up their again, was in their for another 5 days trying to locate the problem they kept me on numerous amount of painkillers and began tests on me then found out my stent I did have in had caused a blockage in my kidney so I had to be operated on again and another stent put in again . I was so scared to go through it’s again but this stent hasn’t been to bad they gave me stronger medication and some antibiotics to fight of an infection. their is a slight pain and the annoying nightmare of constantly wanting the toilet but with the mixture of painkillers it is bareable. Now I am going to have to wait up to a month to get this one removed and I hope it will be okey and I will be able to return to work soon as haven’t been able to work .
And I never want to go through this again as this is the worst pain I have ever gone through
What medications did they give you? They should have given you Tramadol, Flowmax, an antibiotic, and Phenazopyridine. My previous urologist did not and I was in hell. I fired him. Find another urologist. Do your research online and check out reviews on the doctor. Here’s to you living pain free!
Ive had kidney stones for a few months so had op yesterday and a stent put it, but was told i must have passed the stone (doctor said it was too big to pass) now im in twice as much pain have twice as much blood all for nothing, can’t stand the pain, so am i going to continue to get pain and blood when stent is removed in a week or 2 .OMG why do we have to put up with it all this time.must be an easier way
You may have pain post stent removal. I had an 11mm stone lasered and a stent placed to keep the ureter from closing off. Had rather intense pain for the 10 days it was in while urinating (felt like my kidney was being twisted and pulled down and the entire ureter hurt). I was told to try to stop urinating before my bladder was empty but the pain was from start to finish although stopping intermittently did seem to help to a small degree. Was told about bladder spasms post removal and I just had the stent removed a few hours ago. After the first urination my bladder felt like it was on fire and my urethra also had some burning as they had to use a scope to find the string. It was a miserable pain that made me nauseous but with me at least, it passed after a time and the second urination was pain free. I had blood also but I was on blood thinners and the urine cleared up after stopping the blood thinner. You can also get blood with a urinary tract infection which you may want to run past your health provider if the hematuria continues.
I also had a stent placed inside after a kidney to make sure all the broken stones come out. I have never been in such pain in all my life. Worse than having had Cancer. I cannot wait until the stent can come up. Suffered for a week now.
I just had a stent put in on Monday, as an emergency. I had 5 stones (1 had multiples attached, another was 8x7mm). This by NO FREAKING MEANS IS A FUN RODEO to deal with!!
Ever since I’ve had the stent, my symptoms are becoming more intense (long moments in bthrm, appetite decreased, always just wanting to lay around, clotting, and pains that dbl me over/can’t sit or lay down). I’ve tried OTC AZO, to see if that would decrease the frequency/pain/pressure….. yeah NOT!
I DO NOT… (repeating many times)… wish a stent without some “GOOD” meds, until it’s removed (mines supposedly to come out Thurs 26th…. aka… NOT FREAKING SOON ENOUGH!).
Did you have the surgery? How did everything go? I currently have a 7mm stone in my left kidney. I had a stent placed on 10/23/18, no string kind. I had shock wave procedure done to bust up the stone, that unfortunately wasn’t successful so the stent is still in and I have to go back for another shock wave procedure. I’ve definitely been struggling with all of this and it’s comforting to see and read others stories about this.
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Where can I purchase that
And does it have to be prescribed?
TherMy stent has been in 6 days and come out tomorrow, besides all the pain and constant t blood in the urine… I pee and the. It just stops and you still, like bladder is filling and it’s about to burst, that hurts..,
I had my stent removed 2 weeks ago and I’m still experiencing pain and lots of blood in my urine
Had stent placement today (2), will this reduce the swelling in my feet and ankles?
Yes it will! I had my stent put in July 2 and I can now stand most of the day without my legs or feet swelling. I’ve lost 4 lbs from all the peeing I have done.
I had a stent placed because I had a 7mm stone and the physician in the ER refused to remove it because I don’t have insurance. So now I am stuck with a stent that the physician removed the string from so I have no choice but to pay $5,000 out of pocket to have the surgery done or wait 3+ months till my insurance kicks in. It was an “emergency” to place the stent, but not to remove the stone. And I get to suffer in pain until something happens.
Same exact thing with me!!!! Can’t we sue these freakin doctors that too a vow to do no harm!!!!
I am getting my stent out today. I am also having lithotripsy. I have been suffering over a month! Enough is enough. I hope your situation is resolved soon.
Hey going through the same thing,put stent in,waiting to have lithotripsy,next thursday.don’t know why they could done the lithotripsy in the first place,having to go through this pain for so long.
I hate I had this procedure done can I ask the Dr to remove the stent. I’m experiencing more pain with it than without it.
Yes u van. They r very painful bc they curl at both ends so they torc on the ureter at both ends
I’m really scared that I got the stent I’m my kidney will I be okay and can I get it removed soon.
You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
I have only had a stent in place once, it was for my first PCNL surgery last November. I have Cystinuria and from what I’ve read of other people’s experiences, it’s a very mixed blessing as the stent can build up with cystine crystals, making it very painful and difficult to remove. I had a silicon stent, so pulling it out wasn’t so bad (aside from the obvious discomfort of having something pushed up your urethra so close after surgery) but it was pretty uncomfortable to live with. I felt like I constantly needed to go to the toilet and I had to get used to not listening to the urge. It was near-instant relief when the stent came out!