Stent Discomfort
If you had a recent procedure that required the placement of a ureteral stent (a thin tube that reaches from your kidney to the bladder), you may experience the following normal and expected side effects:
- Burning and irritation when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Urinating in small amounts
- Blood in urine or dark urine
- Discomfort or pain in the kidney/flank area when urinating (this is due to some of the urine going back up the stent when the bladder contracts)
Take Azo-standard (over the counter) to help with the frequency and burning. If your urologist prescribed pain medication you may take that as well. Most stents are typically left in for 5-7 days and are removed in the office. In some cases, they may be in for longer periods. Make sure your urologist tells you or your family member how long your stent will be needed. When your stent is removed, you may have flank pain later that day due to spasms of the ureter. Sitting in a hot tub will help, and the discomfort will usually resolve by the following day.
Click on a topic below to learn more:
Passing Kidney Stones
Difficulty Urinating (Urinary Retention)
Frequent and/or Painful Urination
Recovering From A Vasectomy
Blood In The Urine (Hematuria)
Foley Catheters
Stent Discomfort
