Meet the “Invisible Guardian” Inside the Ureter

Don’t be fooled by this small tube that looks like a curled “pig’s tail.” In the hands of urologists, it is a critical medical tool. It relieves pressure on the kidney above and reconstructs the ureteral passage below. In cases of stone obstruction, postoperative edema, or ureteral stricture, it rapidly establishes stable urinary drainage. This is the ureteral stent.

Often working quietly behind the scenes, this medical “guardian” steps in during urinary system crises. Through continuous support and precise internal drainage, it protects renal function, reduces complication risks, and buys valuable time for subsequent treatment.

Once deployed, this “invisible bodyguard” functions like an infrastructure engineer of the urinary system. When stones block the ureter or postoperative inflammation and edema narrow the lumen, it quickly creates a stable and efficient drainage pathway. The central lumen acts like a “urine highway,” ensuring smooth flow from the kidney to the bladder. The classic pig-tail curls at both ends anchor securely within the renal pelvis and bladder, preventing migration or dislodgement while maintaining stable support even in complex internal conditions. Even in the face of “road collapse”–like obstruction, it promptly restores the passage and relieves renal pressure.

Core Clinical Functions of the Ureteral Stent

As a key adjunct device in modern urological treatment, the ureteral stent performs multiple essential functions:

Maintains ureteral patency through continuous radial support, preventing secondary stricture caused by postoperative edema or scar formation.

Provides continuous 24-hour internal drainage, offering greater discretion and patient comfort compared to external nephrostomy.

Facilitates passive ureteral dilation, creating a smoother pathway for stone fragment passage, improving postoperative stone clearance, and reducing obstruction risk.

In contemporary urological practice, the ureteral stent is not merely an implant—it is a crucial component in safeguarding renal function and optimizing postoperative recovery.

Possible Discomfort During Indwelling

Of course, this “hardworking” stent does not go entirely unnoticed. Approximately 30% of patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort during indwelling.

Mild hematuria is relatively common, particularly after physical activity.

Urinary frequency and urgency may occur due to mechanical irritation of the bladder by the distal curl of the stent.

Flank or lower abdominal discomfort may appear, especially when lying flat or during urination, typically related to vesicoureteral reflux or ureteral wall irritation.

After vigorous activity, some patients may feel bladder vibration or mild pelvic discomfort due to slight mechanical movement of the stent.

Fortunately, most symptoms are temporary, manageable, and reversible, and they usually resolve after stent removal. In clinical practice, physicians carefully select appropriate size and material to minimize these risks.

The “Sweet Trap”: Overdue Stent Removal

The most important risk to watch for is prolonged indwelling beyond the recommended time.

If not removed on schedule:

Urinary salt deposition may occur on the stent surface, gradually forming stone encrustation (encrustation). Heavy encrustation increases removal difficulty and may require additional endoscopic or lithotripsy procedures.

Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation may increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Mild cases present as urinary frequency and dysuria; severe cases may include fever and chills (rigor), indicating possible upper urinary tract infection.

In rare cases, prolonged indwelling may lead to stent migration, fracture, or chronic compression injury to the ureter.

Strict adherence to the recommended removal timeline is therefore essential.

Is Stent Removal Painful?

Most patients need not worry. Stent removal is typically performed under direct visualization using cystoscopy. The procedure is brief, minimally invasive, and usually completed within a few minutes as part of routine urological practice.

Living Comfortably With a Ureteral Stent

The key to coexisting peacefully with a stent lies in proper daily management and self-monitoring.

1. Maintain Adequate Hydration

Regular fluid intake helps dilute urine and reduce crystallization risk. Plain water is preferred, and mild lemon water may be taken in moderation. Setting reminders on a mobile phone can help establish consistent hydration habits.

2. Maintain Regular Voiding Habits

Avoid prolonged urine retention. Urinate in a relaxed manner without straining. The double voiding technique (urinating in two stages) may help reduce bladder pressure fluctuations and reflux-related discomfort.

3. Modify Physical Activity

Avoid high-intensity exercise, jumping activities, or vigorous core training. Opt for low-impact activities such as walking, gentle stretching, or light calisthenics to reduce mechanical irritation and hematuria risk.

4. Monitor Symptoms

Keep simple records of hematuria severity, pain levels, and urinary changes. Seek medical evaluation if you experience worsening hematuria, large blood clots, fever, or significant flank pain.

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2. The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.