Having a Ureteric Stent

Ureteric stents are thin tubes placed between the kidney and bladder to ensure urine drains freely and to prevent or relieve obstruction.

When stents are used

• Emergency relief of obstruction (for example, a stone causing severe pain or infection)

• Protection after surgery while swelling settles and the ureter heals

• Pre-treatment dilation when the ureter is too tight for a ureteroscope, allowing a later procedure to proceed more easily

• Long-term relief of malignant obstruction; these stents may need regular replacement

How they are inserted Stents are usually placed through the bladder under general anaesthesia. X-rays are taken during the procedure to confirm correct position.

Timing and replacement Stents must be removed or changed on a planned schedule and cannot be left in indefinitely. In cancer care they are often exchanged about every six months. After stone treatment, we aim to keep stent time to a minimum because prolonged stenting increases the risk of blockage, encrustation (stone forming on the stent), and difficulty with removal.

Possible symptoms and care Many people have minimal problems, but stents can cause:

• Bladder discomfort or pain

• Intermittent blood in the urine

• Increased urinary frequency and urgency

• Flank or kidney pain when urinating (from urine reflux up the stent)

Simple painkillers often help and symptoms frequently improve over time. Exercise can worsen symptoms as the stent may move and irritate the bladder. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the urinary system, reduce infection risk, and dilute any bleeding.

Removal if a stent was placed for stone treatment it is commonly removed in the outpatient clinic using a small flexible telescope (flexible cystoscope). You will be given clear instructions about timing and follow-up tailored to your situation.).