Why a stent is placed
The ureter is the width of a matchstick. Any swelling — from a stone sitting against it, from the scope used to remove the stone, or from an obstruction elsewhere — can block the kidney within hours. The stent bypasses that problem so urine keeps flowing while the tissue settles.
- After RIRS, URSL or PCNL
- To relieve an obstructed, infected kidney urgently
- Before a planned stone procedure, to passively widen a tight ureter
- During pregnancy, when a stone cannot be operated safely
- To protect the ureter after reconstructive surgery
Living with a stent
Mild urgency, a need to pass urine more often, a twinge in the flank while passing urine, and a pink tinge to the urine are all common and not dangerous. Drinking well and avoiding heavy lifting help. Severe pain, fever or an inability to pass urine are not normal and need a call the same day.
Getting the stent removed — do not forget it
Most stents are removed after one to four weeks. Removal is a two-minute OPD procedure using a flexible cystoscope with local jelly; you go home immediately afterwards.
A stent left in for months encrusts with stone material and can become genuinely difficult to remove, sometimes needing more than one procedure to retrieve. Note your removal date on your phone the day it is placed.
If you have a stent from another hospital and cannot recall when it was placed, bring your old discharge summary and get an X-ray done — it is worth checking today rather than next year.
Ureteric Stent / DJ Stenting — common questions
How long can a DJ stent stay inside?
Standard stents are designed for a few weeks to a maximum of three to six months depending on type. Beyond that, encrustation and blockage become a serious risk.
Is DJ stent removal painful?
It is uncomfortable for a few seconds rather than painful. Local anaesthetic jelly is used and no admission is needed.
Can I work and exercise with a stent?
Desk work, walking and normal routine are fine. Heavy lifting, gym work and long two-wheeler rides tend to increase flank discomfort and blood in the urine.
Why do I still get pain with a stent in place?
The stent's lower end rubs against the bladder lining, which causes urgency and a pulling sensation in the flank. It settles within a day or two of removal.
Reviewed by Dr. Kinjal Banerjee, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Urology) — Urologist, Renal Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Faridabad. This page explains ureteric stent / dj stenting in general terms; your own treatment plan depends on your reports and examination.