Stent (Ureteral Stent)
During surgery, a stent may be placed in the ureter. The ureter is the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent is placed to dilate (open) the ureter so stone fragments can pass easily through the ureter or to decrease ureteral swelling after surgery, or to relieve an obstruction.
The stent is made of rubber. The upper end of the stent curls in the kidney while the lower end rests in the bladder.
Post Op Instructions
While the stent is in place you may experience the following symptoms:
- Blood and/or small blood clots in urine
- Bladder spasm (frequency and urgency of urination)
- Discomfort or aching in the back or side where the stent is
- Burning or discomfort at the end of urine stream.
To decrease these symptoms you should:
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Drink plenty of fluids
- If you experience pain at the end of urination try not emptying your bladder completely
- If having discomfort in back or side, decrease activity.
CONTACT THE DOCTOR IF:
There are any signs of infection, such as a fever greater than 101.5 F, undue swelling or pain.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS NOT ALREADY EXPLAINED TO YOU, CONTACT OUR OFFICE OR, IF AN EMERGENCY, GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT