A temporary bridge for a blocked ureter
Ureteral stent placement is an outpatient procedure that places a thin plastic tube in the ureter to relieve obstruction from a stone, stricture, or tumor — or to prevent obstruction after ureteroscopy. Performed under general anesthesia with X-ray guidance, patients are discharged the same day.
A supportive procedure for ureter health
A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible plastic tube placed inside the ureter — the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent keeps the ureter open so urine can flow properly, either relieving an obstruction or preventing one from developing after another procedure.
Placement is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The stent has small coils at each end — called “pigtails” — that anchor it in place and prevent it from migrating up toward the kidney or down toward the bladder.
Why a stent might be recommended
Ureteral stents are used in a few different clinical situations — both to relieve existing obstruction and to prevent problems after related procedures.
Kidney or ureteral stone
Obstruction from a stone blocking the flow of urine through the ureter
Ureteral stricture
Narrowing of the ureter that restricts urine flow — often from scarring or inflammation
Tumor compression
Obstruction caused by a tumor pressing on the ureter from inside or outside
Post-ureteroscopy
To prevent kidney obstruction and ureteral scarring after ureteroscopy
Step by step
The entire procedure is performed through the natural urinary passage — there are no external incisions.
Scope inserted
A scope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
Wire placed
A guidewire is placed into the kidney using X-ray guidance.
Stent slides on
The thin plastic stent is placed over the wire.
Wire removed
The wire is withdrawn, leaving coils at each end to prevent migration.
Discharge home
Performed as an outpatient — discharged after the procedure.
Performed under general anesthesia
Although stent placement is a same-day outpatient procedure with no external incisions, it is performed under general anesthesia. You’ll need to follow standard pre-operative fasting instructions and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Your provider will discuss the anesthesia plan, expected recovery, and specific aftercare instructions before your procedure.
Typically 7–10 days
The stent is allowed to remain in place for a specified period of time — usually 7 to 10 days. This gives the ureter time to heal, the underlying condition to be addressed, or the swelling from a previous procedure to resolve.
If your situation requires it, the stent can safely remain in place for up to 3 months without needing to be changed. Your provider will determine the right timing based on your specific case.
Removed in our office
When it’s time for the stent to come out, removal is performed in the office using a cystoscope — a small lighted tube passed into the bladder. Removal is done under local anesthesia in a quick, straightforward visit. No hospital, no general anesthesia, and you can return to normal activities right away.
Common aftereffects
Some short-term aftereffects are common while the stent is in place. These typically resolve after the stent is removed.
Blood in the urine
Mild blood-tinged urine is common while the stent is in place
Increased urgency
A stronger urge to urinate — the stent can irritate the bladder
Increased frequency
Going to the bathroom more often than usual
Kidney or bladder pain
Some mild kidney and/or bladder discomfort is common
Aftereffects typically resolve within days after the stent is removed. Call our office if you experience fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding.
Questions about your care?
If you’ve been told you need a ureteral stent, or if you’re preparing for a related procedure like ureteroscopy, schedule a consultation with our urology team. We’ll walk you through every step and answer every question — with clarity and compassion.