Ureteral Stent Surgery: Procedure, Reasons, Recovery and Kidney Care
Introduction
A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube placed inside the ureter to help urine flow normally from the kidney to the bladder. Doctors may recommend a stent when urine flow is blocked or restricted because of a kidney stone, ureteral narrowing, swelling, infection-related obstruction, or another urinary tract problem.
The term ureteral stent surgery is commonly used to describe the procedure in which the stent is inserted or removed. Although stent placement is usually a minimally invasive procedure, the exact approach depends on the reason for the stent, the location of the blockage, kidney function, and the patient's overall health.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, patients receive comprehensive kidney evaluation and treatment guidance from Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist. The clinic provides kidney disease management, kidney stone evaluation, dialysis guidance, and coordination with appropriate urology specialists when a stent procedure is required.
What Is a Ureteral Stent?
A ureteral stent is a small hollow tube inserted into the ureter.
The ureters are two narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. When a ureter becomes blocked, urine may not drain properly from the kidney.
A stent creates an internal pathway that allows urine to pass around the area of narrowing or obstruction.
Most ureteral stents have curled ends that help keep the tube positioned between the kidney and bladder.
Why Is Ureteral Stent Surgery Needed?
A ureteral stent may be recommended when urine drainage needs to be restored or protected.
Common reasons include:
Kidney Stones
A stone lodged in the ureter can obstruct urine flow and cause severe flank pain. A stent may be placed before or after stone treatment depending on the clinical situation.
Ureteral Obstruction
Blockage can occur because of stones, narrowing, swelling, tumors, or other conditions.
Hydronephrosis
When urine cannot drain properly, it can accumulate in the kidney and cause hydronephrosis. A stent may help restore drainage in selected cases.
Ureteral Narrowing
Scar tissue or other structural changes can narrow the ureter and interfere with urine flow.
Infection With Urinary Obstruction
An infected and obstructed urinary system can become a medical emergency. In selected situations, urgent drainage using a ureteral stent or another drainage method may be necessary.
After Certain Urological Procedures
A stent may be temporarily placed following procedures involving the ureter or kidney to support healing and urine drainage.
Ureteral Stent Surgery and Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the common situations in which patients may hear about ureteral stents.
A stent does not usually remove the kidney stone itself. Instead, it helps maintain urine drainage.
Depending on the stone's size, location, obstruction, infection, and other factors, the urologist may recommend a procedure such as:
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Ureteroscopy
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Laser lithotripsy
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Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
A stent may be used before, during, or after treatment when clinically appropriate.
How Is Ureteral Stent Surgery Performed?
Ureteral stent placement is generally performed by a urologist.
The procedure commonly involves the following steps:
1. Anesthesia
Depending on the procedure and patient, appropriate anesthesia or sedation is provided.
2. Access Through the Urinary Tract
A specialized instrument called a cystoscope may be passed through the urethra into the bladder.
3. Guidewire Placement
A thin guidewire may be carefully advanced through the ureter toward the kidney.
4. Stent Placement
The ureteral stent is positioned so that one end remains in the kidney and the other end remains in the bladder.
5. Confirmation
Imaging or direct visualization may be used to confirm appropriate positioning.
The exact technique can vary depending on the patient's anatomy and the reason for the procedure.
How Long Does a Ureteral Stent Stay In?
The duration varies considerably.
Some stents are needed only for a short period after a procedure, while others may need to remain in place for longer periods when an ongoing obstruction or medical condition requires continued drainage.
Your doctor should provide a specific removal or replacement plan.
A ureteral stent should not be left in place longer than recommended. Long-term stents may require planned replacement to reduce complications.
What Does a Ureteral Stent Feel Like?
Some patients have no major symptoms, while others experience temporary discomfort.
Possible symptoms include:
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Frequent urination
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Urinary urgency
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Burning while urinating
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Mild blood in the urine
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Bladder discomfort
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Flank discomfort
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Pain that becomes more noticeable during or after urination
These symptoms can occur because the stent sits inside the urinary tract and may irritate surrounding tissues.
Persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with the treating doctor.
Recovery After Ureteral Stent Surgery
Recovery depends on the underlying condition and whether another procedure, such as stone removal, was performed at the same time.
Patients may be advised to:
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Drink fluids according to medical advice
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Take prescribed medicines as directed
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Avoid strenuous activities temporarily if advised
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Follow instructions regarding diet and medications
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Attend the scheduled follow-up appointment
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Keep track of the planned stent removal date
If you have kidney disease or fluid restrictions, do not increase fluid intake without discussing it with your doctor.
Ureteral Stent Removal
A ureteral stent is generally temporary unless long-term drainage is specifically required.
Removal may be performed using different techniques depending on the type of stent and clinical circumstances.
Some stents have a visible string that allows removal in selected cases. Other stents require removal using a cystoscope.
The treating urologist determines the safest method.
Patients should never attempt to remove a stent themselves unless specifically instructed and provided with an appropriate medical plan.
Possible Complications of a Ureteral Stent
Ureteral stents are commonly used, but complications can occur.
Potential problems include:
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Urinary discomfort
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Blood in the urine
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Urinary urgency
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Urinary tract infection
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Stent displacement
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Stent blockage
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Stent encrustation if left too long
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Persistent bladder or flank discomfort
The risk depends on the patient's condition, the duration of stent placement, and other medical factors.
Warning Signs After Ureteral Stent Surgery
Contact your doctor promptly if you develop:
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High fever or chills
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Severe or worsening pain
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Persistent vomiting
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Difficulty passing urine
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Very low or absent urine output
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Significant blood or clots in the urine
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Severe weakness or feeling seriously unwell
Fever with an obstructed urinary system can be an emergency and requires urgent medical assessment.
Ureteral Stent vs Nephrostomy
A ureteral stent is one way of restoring urine drainage.
In some situations, a doctor may instead recommend a percutaneous nephrostomy, where a drainage tube is placed directly through the skin into the kidney.
The choice depends on:
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Location and severity of obstruction
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Infection
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Anatomy
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Cause of the blockage
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Previous procedures
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Overall health
A urologist and other specialists may determine which drainage method is most appropriate.
Diagnosis Before Ureteral Stent Placement
Before recommending stent placement, doctors may perform investigations such as:
Blood Tests
These may include:
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Blood urea nitrogen
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Electrolytes
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Complete blood count when clinically indicated
Urine Testing
Urine tests can help identify:
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Blood
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Protein
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Infection
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Other abnormalities
Imaging
Depending on the suspected cause, imaging may include:
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Kidney ultrasound
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Non-contrast CT scan
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CT urography in selected cases
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Other imaging when clinically indicated
The investigation plan is individualized according to the patient's symptoms and medical history.
Role of a Nephrologist in Ureteral Stent Cases
A nephrologist specializes in kidney health, kidney function, chronic kidney disease, electrolyte disorders, dialysis, and medical management of many kidney conditions.
A urologist generally performs procedures involving the urinary tract, including ureteral stent placement and removal.
In patients with kidney disease, both specialists may work together.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke can evaluate kidney function and the medical aspects of kidney disease while coordinating care with appropriate urology specialists when a procedure is required.
How to Protect Your Kidneys After a Ureteral Problem
Long-term kidney health depends on addressing the underlying cause.
Helpful measures may include:
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Controlling blood pressure
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Managing diabetes
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Following an appropriate diet
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Avoiding unnecessary painkiller use
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Taking prescribed medicines correctly
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Treating urinary infections promptly
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Maintaining appropriate hydration as advised
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Completing scheduled follow-up tests
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Following the recommended stent removal or replacement plan
Patients with recurrent kidney stones may also benefit from evaluation to identify factors contributing to stone formation.
Can Ureteral Stent Surgery Prevent Kidney Damage?
When a ureter is significantly obstructed, restoring urine drainage may help protect kidney function.
However, the outcome depends on the cause and duration of obstruction, whether infection is present, baseline kidney function, and how quickly appropriate treatment is provided.
A ureteral stent is therefore not simply a treatment for pain. In selected patients, it is an important method of relieving urinary obstruction and protecting the affected kidney.
Why Choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic?
Patients choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic for:
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Consultation with Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist
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Comprehensive kidney function evaluation
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Management of chronic and acute kidney conditions
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Kidney stone evaluation and prevention guidance
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Personalized treatment planning
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Dialysis planning and kidney failure management
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Kidney transplant evaluation and follow-up
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Coordination with experienced urology specialists when procedures such as ureteral stent placement are required
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Long-term kidney health monitoring
The clinic focuses on accurate diagnosis, individualized care, and protecting kidney function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ureteral stent surgery painful?
The procedure is performed with appropriate anesthesia or sedation, so significant pain during the procedure is generally minimized. Some patients may experience urinary discomfort, urgency, or flank discomfort after placement.
Is a ureteral stent the same as removing a kidney stone?
No. A stent primarily helps maintain urine drainage. A separate stone-removal procedure may be necessary depending on the size and location of the stone.
Can I urinate normally with a ureteral stent?
Most patients can urinate, but they may experience increased frequency, urgency, burning, or discomfort.
How long can a ureteral stent stay inside?
The duration depends on why the stent was placed and the type of stent used. Your treating doctor will determine when it should be removed or replaced.
Can a ureteral stent cause blood in urine?
Mild blood in the urine can occur, particularly soon after placement or physical activity. Heavy bleeding, clots, or worsening symptoms require medical assessment.
Who performs ureteral stent surgery?
Ureteral stent placement and removal are generally performed by a urologist. A nephrologist may be involved when the patient has kidney disease or requires assessment of kidney function.
What happens if a ureteral stent is not removed on time?
A stent left in place longer than recommended can develop complications such as encrustation, blockage, infection, or difficulty with removal. Following the scheduled follow-up plan is important.
Conclusion
Ureteral stent surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to maintain urine flow when the ureter is blocked or narrowed. Kidney stones, urinary obstruction, hydronephrosis, ureteral narrowing, and certain urological procedures are among the situations in which a stent may be required.
The stent itself does not necessarily treat the underlying cause. Further treatment may be needed to remove a stone, relieve a blockage, or address another urinary tract condition. Proper follow-up and timely stent removal or replacement are essential.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides comprehensive kidney evaluation, medical management, and long-term kidney care. When procedural treatment is necessary, the clinic can coordinate with appropriate urology specialists to ensure patients receive suitable care.
Book an Appointment Today
If you have been advised to undergo ureteral stent surgery, have a kidney stone, hydronephrosis, urinary obstruction, abnormal kidney function tests, or persistent flank pain, consult Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic for a comprehensive kidney evaluation.
Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist, can assess your kidney health, explain the medical aspects of your condition, and guide you regarding appropriate treatment and specialist care.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ureteral stent placement, removal, and related procedures must be recommended and performed by qualified medical professionals based on the patient's individual condition. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain, fever or chills, difficulty passing urine, significantly reduced urine output, persistent vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.
