How is a ureteral stent removed?
There are several ways to remove the stent. If it has been in place for a while, you may have an X-ray to see if the stent is smooth or if it has become lined with a crust. This crust can make it harder to remove the stent.
Some stents can be removed with an attached string that comes out of your urethra. In some cases, if your doctor recommends it, you will be able to remove the stent at home. Or your doctor will remove it with the string in the doctor's office or hospital.
If there is no string, you will need to have a procedure to remove the stent. It's done using a thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope, or scope. The doctor inserts the scope into your urethra and on into the bladder. The scope allows the doctor to check areas of your bladder and urethra that usually don't show up well on X-rays.
Your doctor can also insert tiny tools through the scope to remove the stent. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. The area where the scope is inserted may be numb. You will probably be able to go home the same day.
After ureteral stent removal: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have new or more blood clots in your urine. (It is normal for the urine to be pink for a few days.)
- You are unable to urinate.
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
- Blood in your urine.
- A fever.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
How can you care for yourself after a ureteral stent removal?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired.
- Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better.
- Most people are able to return to work the day after the procedure. If your work requires intense activity, you may feel pain in your kidney area or get tired easily. If this happens, you may need to do less strenuous activities while you heal.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
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