Doctor taking blood pressure of patient.

Ureteral Stent

Providence combines advanced technology and compassionate patient care to provide relief from painful urologic conditions. When you suffer from kidney stones, quick and effective treatment is essential. That’s why a ureteral stent may be a solution to help you recover.

A ureteral stent is a soft plastic tube with holes that is inserted into your ureter to help drain urine into the bladder. It is a temporary measure used to prevent or treat blockage of the urine flow from your kidney, promote healing and reduce swelling. Kidney stones are the most common reason to use a ureteral stent.

During the procedure, one end of the tube goes into the kidney, and the other end goes into the bladder. A coil on each end keeps the stent in place. The stent can't be detected from outside the body and should not interfere with your normal activities.

The length of time you have the stent depends on your condition and can vary from a few days to months.

Some stents include a string that remain outside the body to aid in its quick removal. These are typically removed in the doctor’s office without any special procedure or equipment. Stents that do not have an external string are removed during a minor procedure using a cystoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a camera and tiny clamps that allows your doctor to see the stent inside the bladder and grasp and remove the stent.

Common side effects of using a ureteral stent include blood in your urine, spasms of the ureter or bladder, a burning sensation when urinating, and an increase in the urgency and frequency of urination.

Although unlikely, more severe side effects include persistent fever, severe pain of any kind, the inability to urinate, constant bloody urine that doesn’t lighten with increased fluid intake, and thick clots or tissue that make it difficult to urinate. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor.

When you partner with Providence for your exam, you can rest easy knowing your care team has the skill and experience necessary to reduce the risk of complication.