A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube temporarily placed inside the ureter, the duct connecting the kidney to the bladder, to ensure proper urine drainage. This device is typically inserted during or after procedures, such as kidney stone removal, to hold the ureter open and allow healing. Once the underlying issue is resolved and the urinary tract is clear, the stent is removed. Understanding the body’s immediate reaction after this procedure helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth recovery.
Post-Removal Discomfort and Pain Management
The immediate removal of the stent can lead to a temporary increase in discomfort as the urinary tract reacts to the change in pressure and irritation. A frequent sensation is pain felt in the flank, the area near the kidney, or in the lower abdomen. This flank pain often occurs because removing the stent can cause a temporary spasm of the ureter, the muscular tube that was being held open.
Another common reaction is the onset of bladder spasms, which feel like cramping or a sudden, strong need to urinate. These spasms are a response to the minor trauma from the removal procedure and the bladder’s adjustment to no longer having the stent’s coil resting within it. These symptoms typically peak shortly after removal and begin to resolve within 24 to 72 hours.
Physicians often recommend managing post-removal discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, if the patient’s medical history allows. To manage bladder spasms, a doctor might prescribe antispasmodic medications to help relax the bladder wall muscle. Taking a warm bath or applying a heating pad to the lower back or abdomen can also provide relief during this period of adjustment.
Changes in Urination
Immediately following the procedure, patients commonly experience noticeable changes in their urinary habits, primarily involving frequency and urgency. These symptoms result from the bladder’s irritation following the stent removal and typically subside within a couple of days.
It is common to observe transient hematuria, which is a small amount of blood in the urine, making the color appear pink or light red. The passing of the stent can cause minor abrasions along the urinary tract lining, leading to this temporary bleeding. This light bleeding is expected and may increase slightly with physical activity before resolving as the tissue heals.
Drinking plenty of fluids, specifically water, is encouraged during this time to help flush the urinary system and dilute the urine. Diluted urine helps reduce irritation in the bladder and urethra, which may lessen any burning sensation experienced during urination. While a mild burning sensation for a day or two is expected, persistent or severe pain when urinating should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Activity and Recovery Timeline
For most individuals, the recovery period after ureteral stent removal is short, allowing a quick return to daily routines. Many people can resume light activity and return to work the day after the stent is removed. If the job involves intense physical labor or heavy lifting, it is advisable to take an extra day or two of rest to avoid exacerbating discomfort or bleeding.
Strenuous activities, like intense exercise or lifting objects heavier than ten pounds, should be avoided for at least a few days to a week, depending on the physician’s advice and the nature of the underlying procedure. Overexertion can increase the likelihood of seeing blood in the urine, indicating the body needs more time to heal the urinary tract lining. The focus during the first few days should be on consistent hydration, aiming to drink several liters of fluid daily.
Recognizing Warning Signs
While some discomfort and changes in urination are expected, certain symptoms indicate a potential complication requiring prompt medical attention. A fever of 101.5°F or higher, sometimes accompanied by chills, is a significant warning sign suggesting a urinary tract infection or more serious systemic infection. This should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider.
Severe pain that is not managed by prescribed or recommended pain medication is another indicator that something may be wrong. Flank pain that worsens significantly or does not improve after a few days warrants a medical evaluation. Additionally, the inability to urinate at all (anuria), or the presence of heavy, bright red bleeding with large blood clots requires emergency care.