Ureteral Stent for a Kidney Stone: What to Expect

A ureteral stent for a kidney stone is a temporary flexible tube that helps urine drain from the kidney to the bladder when a stone causes blockage or after stone treatment. Most people recover quickly from placement, but urinary urgency, mild bleeding, and flank or bladder discomfort may continue while the stent remains in place.

Ureteral Stent Kidney Stone: What It Does

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible, hollow tube placed inside the ureter, the passage that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. One curled end sits in the kidney and the other in the bladder, helping the tube stay in position while urine passes around an obstruction.

For a kidney stone, a stent may be used when a stone is blocking urine flow, causing kidney swelling, or contributing to infection or difficult-to-control pain. It is also commonly placed after ureteroscopy or other stone procedures to support drainage while the ureter settles. A stent usually does not remove or dissolve a stone; it may be a temporary measure before, during, or after definitive stone treatment.

The intended result is improved drainage and protection of kidney function while the underlying stone is managed. The decision to place a stent is based on symptoms, urine and blood tests, imaging such as ultrasound or CT, stone location, and whether infection or significant obstruction is present. In urgent infected obstruction, drainage with a ureteral stent or a kidney drainage tube may be needed before stone removal is considered.

The Procedure and First Days After Placement

Ureteral stent placement is usually performed during cystoscopy. A urologist passes a narrow camera through the urethra and bladder, then guides the stent into the ureter using imaging when needed. There are no skin incisions, and anesthesia or sedation is used according to the procedure and the person’s health needs. Many people go home on the same day, although hospital observation may be appropriate when infection, severe pain, or another medical concern is present.

During the first few days, pink or lightly blood-stained urine, burning when passing urine, frequent urination, bladder pressure, and a pulling sensation in the groin or flank can occur. Some people notice flank discomfort particularly while urinating because urine can briefly move upward toward the kidney through the stent. Symptoms often fluctuate and may become more noticeable after strenuous activity.

Before leaving care, the person should know why the stent was placed, whether a stone procedure is still planned, and exactly when and how the stent will be removed. Removal may be done in clinic with a small cystoscope, or occasionally by gently removing an attached string when the urology team has given clear instructions. A visible string should not be pulled or adjusted unless the clinician has specifically advised self-removal.

How long does it take to heal after an ureteral stent?

Healing after a ureteral stent varies because the stent itself is temporary and the recovery also depends on the stone, any infection, and the procedure performed. The terms ureteral stent recovery time, ureteral stent surgery recovery time, and ureteroscopy stent recovery time can describe different stages of care. After an uncomplicated placement, many people resume light daily activities within one to three days, although urinary symptoms can continue for as long as the stent is in place.

After ureteroscopy, the lining of the ureter may be irritated by the stone and by the instruments used to treat it. This irritation commonly improves over several days, while recovery can take one to two weeks for some people, particularly after a larger stone, more extensive treatment, or an infection. The urology team can give a more individual timeline based on the procedure findings and the person’s overall health.

Ureteral stent removal recovery time is often short. Mild burning, urinary urgency, temporary flank aching, or a small amount of blood in the urine may occur for 24 to 48 hours after removal and sometimes for a few days. The related phrase ureter stent removal recovery time refers to this same period. Worsening rather than improving pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine should be discussed promptly with a clinician.

Why is a ureteral stent so painful?

A ureteral stent can be uncomfortable because it rests in two sensitive areas: the kidney end of the ureter and the bladder. The bladder end may cause pressure, urgency, frequent urination, or a sensation of incomplete emptying. During urination, a small amount of urine may reflux toward the kidney through the stent, which can create a brief ache in the flank or lower back.

Symptoms differ widely between individuals. Stent size and position, bladder sensitivity, the original stone, recent ureteroscopy, inflammation, and physical activity can all influence how a person feels. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others have more disruptive pain or urgency. Pain that is severe, persistent, or increasingly intense should not automatically be assumed to be a routine stent symptom.

The treating clinician may recommend suitable pain relief, hydration guidance, or prescription medicines that relax the ureter or bladder. It is important to use medicines only as directed and to check before taking anti-inflammatory medicines if there is kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers, blood-thinning treatment, or another reason they may be unsuitable. Resting after symptom flares and avoiding activities that clearly worsen discomfort may also help.

How serious is having a stent put in for kidney stones?

Having a ureteral stent placed for kidney stones is a common, minimally invasive urology procedure and is generally considered safe when performed for an appropriate reason. It can be especially important when a stone blocks the kidney and urine needs to drain. In this setting, the stent may reduce pressure in the kidney and allow infection or inflammation to be treated before the stone is addressed.

As with any urinary procedure, there are potential risks. These include temporary bleeding, urinary infection, discomfort, stent movement, blockage, or mineral deposits forming on a stent that remains in place too long. Less commonly, there may be injury to the urinary tract or anesthesia-related complications. Individual risk is affected by factors such as infection, kidney function, pregnancy, other medical conditions, and the complexity of the stone.

The most important safety step is reliable follow-up. A stent should never be forgotten, because a prolonged dwell time can increase the chance of encrustation, obstruction, infection, and more complex removal. Keeping the removal or exchange appointment, and telling the team if travel or illness may interfere with it, helps make treatment safer.

Do and don'ts after ureteral stent?

After ureteral stent placement, the main priorities are following the urology team’s plan, managing expected symptoms safely, and attending the removal appointment. The best activity and fluid advice can differ depending on kidney function, heart conditions, pregnancy, infection, and the type of stone procedure performed.

• Do drink fluids regularly if the clinician has not prescribed a fluid limit, as this can help keep urine flowing.
• Do take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and complete antibiotics if they were prescribed for an infection.
• Do keep a record of the scheduled stent removal or exchange date and contact the clinic if it is unclear.
• Do choose gentle activity at first and increase activity gradually according to comfort and medical advice.
• Do not pull, trim, or push back a stent string unless specific self-removal instructions have been provided.
• Do not ignore fever, chills, inability to urinate, or escalating pain.
• Do not drive or use machinery if taking a medicine that causes drowsiness.

Heavy exercise, lifting, and long journeys can temporarily increase bleeding or discomfort for some people, so it is reasonable to reduce these activities if symptoms flare. However, complete bed rest is usually unnecessary after an uncomplicated procedure. People should ask their urology team about returning to work, exercise, sexual activity, swimming, and travel because guidance depends on the procedure, the presence of a string, and individual recovery.

When to seek medical care

Some urinary discomfort is expected with a stent, but new or worsening symptoms should be assessed. The urology team should be contacted urgently, ideally on the same day, if there is concern that a stent-related symptom is not manageable with the care plan already provided.

• Fever of 38°C or higher, chills, or feeling unusually unwell
• Severe or worsening flank, abdominal, or bladder pain that does not improve with prescribed treatment
• Inability to urinate, a marked reduction in urine output, or painful bladder fullness
• Persistent bright-red bleeding, large blood clots, or bleeding that is getting heavier
• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids and medicines down
• A stent string that has moved significantly, a stent that appears to be coming out, or accidental stent removal

Emergency assessment is appropriate for fever or chills together with flank pain, severe weakness, confusion, trouble breathing, or signs of a serious infection. These symptoms may indicate a urinary infection that needs prompt treatment, particularly when a stone has caused blockage. It is helpful to tell the medical team that a ureteral stent is in place and when it was inserted.

For international patients needing assessment, Acıbadem Health Point’s multidisciplinary specialists and JCI-accredited hospitals provide diagnosis and treatment for kidney stone conditions, including stent-related care.

Frequently asked questions