Ureteral Stent Removal: Instructions

Ureteral Stent Removal: Instructions

 

A ureteral stent is a thin, hollow tube that was placed in your ureter to help urine pass from the kidney into the bladder. Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder. The stent is removed using a cystoscope or by a string.

 

Before your stent is removed

  • Take all your medicines as prescribed, unless you are given other instructions from your doctor.
  • You are able to eat and drink normally before your stent is removed. However, if you are having any tests done, such as a CT scan or MRI, please follow the instructions about when you should eat, drink or take medicines for those.
  • Take a shower or bath before coming in for your procedure.

 

Removal using a cystoscope

  • You will empty your bladder first. You may be asked for a urine sample when you do this.
  • You may be given an oral antibiotic to help prevent infection.
  • You will undress from the waist down and be given a gown to wear.
  • You will lie down on a table.
    • If you are a woman, you will need to be on your back with knees bent and legs apart. Stirrups are sometimes used to help keep you in this position.
    • If you are a man, you will lie on the table with your legs straight out.
  • The area around the urethra (where the urine comes out) will be washed with a special soap. A numbing medicine is then put into the urethra.
  • The cystoscope is put in through the urethra to the bladder.
  • The doctor will use a small tool through the cystoscope to grab the stent and remove it from the bladder. The cystoscope is then removed.
  • Removing the stent only takes about 1 to 2 minutes.

 

Removing stent attached to a string

Your doctor may have you remove your stent at home. Only remove it at home if you are instructed by your doctor to do so.

If your doctor instructs you to remove your stent at home:

  • Remove it on the day your doctor advises. Problems can occur if a stent is removed too soon or if it is left in too long.
  • Wash your hands well with soap and water.
  • Remove the tape that is attached to the string. Pull gently on the string until the stent is removed. The stent should come out with ease.
  • Throw away the stent into the trash.

 

After stent removal

  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to for other medical reasons) over the next 24 hours after your test.
  • This helps to relieve discomfort from the procedure and can also help prevent infection.
  • Rest the remainder of the day. Return to your normal activity and work in 1 to 2 days.
  • You may have some irritation for a few days after the procedure, such as:
    • Discomfort when you urinate
    • Possible small amounts of blood in the urine

 

Please contact your doctor if:

  • The irritation or discomfort continues for more than 3 days.
  • You have the urge to urinate often but can only pass small amounts for more than 3 days.
  • Your urine is red, cloudy or smells bad. It is normal to have pinkish urine for a few days after the stent is removed.

 

Seek care right away if:

  • Your urine is still red or you see blood clots after you have urinated several times.
  • You cannot pass urine for longer than 8 hours
  • You have a fever or chills
  • You have severe pain in your belly or your back just below your rib cage

 

© June 2, 2020, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.