Ureteral Stents — How Much Do You Know?

1. Why Do We Need This “Plumber” of the Urinary Tract?

l Trouble Caused by Stones — The Most Common Reason

Urinary stones are the most frequent cause for ureteral stent placement.

Whether it is the formation of a “stone street” after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), the preventive placement of a stent before surgery to help “open the pathway,” or post-operative swelling and residual fragments after stone removal, the ureter can become obstructed.

Placing a stent helps keep the ureter open, allowing urine and small stone fragments to pass smoothly.

l Tumor Compression

Tumors in the pelvic or abdominal cavity (such as cervical cancer or colon cancer) may compress the ureter and obstruct urine flow. In such cases, a ureteral stent can create a “lifeline” by reopening the blocked passage and restoring urinary drainage.

l Intrinsic Stricture

The ureter itself may become narrowed due to inflammation, previous surgery, or other pathological changes, resulting in impaired urine flow.

2. Postoperative Instructions
3. Drinking Plenty of Water Is the “Top Priority”
   Ensure a daily water intake of 2000–3000 ml (roughly equivalent to 4–6 bottles of mineral water). Drinking plenty of water increases urine output and provides a “flushing effect,” which effectively helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the stent and forming a biofilm, thereby reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and stent encrustation.
4. Alert to “Warning Signs”

• Hematuria (blood in urine):It is very common to notice light pink or meat-washing-water–like urine after activity. This usually improves with rest and increased water intake. However, if you observe bright red urine or large blood clots, please rest immediately and contact your doctor.
• Frequent urination, urgency, or painful urination:The stent may mildly irritate the bladder and cause lower urinary tract symptoms. However, if these symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills, or worsening flank pain, it may indicate acute pyelonephritis and requires immediate medical attention.
• Flank or abdominal bloating/pain:Especially during urination, increased bladder pressure may cause urine to reflux slightly through the stent back toward the kidney, leading to flank discomfort. Trying to urinate slowly and in intervals may help alleviate symptoms.

3. Activity Should Be Moderate
   Avoid sudden twisting of the lower back, heavy lifting, or prolonged bending, as these actions may cause stent displacement or friction injury to the ureter and bladder mucosa. Gentle activities such as walking or light jogging are generally safe.
4. Remember the Stent Removal Schedule
   This is extremely important! The ureteral stent is temporary and must be removed or replaced via cystoscopy within the timeframe advised by your doctor (usually 2 weeks to 3 months).
   Do not forget the removal appointment! If the stent remains in place for too long, urinary salts may crystallize and encrust it, making removal difficult and potentially leading to stent fracture, blockage, or more serious kidney damage.

Although the ureteral stent may cause some temporary discomfort during the indwelling period, it plays a crucial role in postoperative recovery. It helps maintain urine drainage, reduces the risk of ureteral swelling or obstruction, and protects kidney function while supporting surgical outcomes.

Therefore, we recommend that patients maintain open communication with their urologist, understand the purpose and benefits of the stent, and strictly follow postoperative care and follow-up schedules to ensure smooth recovery.

Disclaimer

1. Some of the content in this article comes from online sources. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.
2. The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.