Ureteral Stent Placement and Removal

Ureteral stents are thin, flexible tubes sometimes placed in the urinary system to temporarily support urine flow. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, our urologists are experienced in both ureteral stent placement and removal procedures.

What is a Ureteral Stent?

A ureteral stent is a small, flexible tube inserted into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Ureteral stents can be placed for various reasons to temporarily address urine flow issues.

Reasons for Ureteral Stent Placement

Your urologist at Urology Specialists of Ohio may recommend ureteral stent placement for several reasons:

• Urinary obstruction: To relieve a blockage in the ureter that prevents urine from draining from the kidney to the bladder. This blockage could be caused by kidney stones, blood clots, or tumors.
• Ureteral surgery: To temporarily support urine flow after ureteral surgery, allowing the ureter to heal properly.
• Imaging studies: To help visualize the ureters during certain imaging tests.

Ureteral Stent Placement Procedure

Ureteral stent placement is typically performed on an outpatient basis at Urology Specialists of Ohio. Here's a general overview:

• You may receive local anesthesia or light sedation.
• A cystoscope, a thin, lighted instrument, is inserted through the urethra (urinary opening) into the bladder and then up the ureter to the kidney.
• Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) for guidance, the urologist inserts the stent into the ureter.
• The cystoscope is then removed.
• The ureteral stent remains in place for the prescribed period, typically weeks to months.

Ureteral Stent Removal Procedure

Ureteral stent removal is a simple procedure usually performed at the office at Urology Specialists of Ohio. Here's a general overview:

• You may receive topical anesthetic or numbing medication.
• The urologist inserts a cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder.
• With the aid of a cystoscope, the urologist grasps and removes the stent.
• The cystoscope is then removed.
• The entire procedure typically takes less than ten minutes.

What to Expect After Ureteral Stent Placement and Removal

Following ureteral stent placement, you may experience some temporary discomfort, burning with urination, or blood in the urine. These side effects typically subside within a few days. Your urologist at Urology Specialists of Ohio will provide specific post-operative instructions.

Ureteral stent removal is usually well-tolerated, and you can resume normal activities relatively soon after the procedure.

Urology Specialists of Ohio: Your Partner in Urologic Care

At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we understand that urinary problems can be disruptive. We offer ureteral stent placement and removal as part of our comprehensive urologic care. Our urologists will work closely with you to determine if a ureteral stent is right for your situation and will perform the placement and removal procedures with expertise and care.