Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: July 2025 

For review: July 2027

Ref: A-678/GS/Urology/Managing a ureteric stent after ureteroscopy

PDF: Managing a Ureteric stent after Ureteroscopy.pdf [pdf] 218KB

What is a ureteric stent?

A ureteric stent is a thin, flexible tube placed in the ureter (the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder) to help urine flow freely after a ureteroscopy (a procedure to treat or inspect stones in the urinary tract).

What Is a 'stent on a string'? 

This stent has a small removal string that exits through the urethra (urine tube). You may see the string near the tip of your penis or just outside the vagina and it may be taped for security to your inner thigh or penis. If you have a catheter, it may be secured to the catheter. Do not pull or tug the string unless instructed to do so by your doctor or nurse. 

When will the stent be removed? 

Your stent is temporary and should be removed within 3-14 days after your procedure. Your healthcare team will tell you the exact date.

What happens if I go home? 

You may feel uncomfortable while the stent is in situ, it is common to experience:

•  Discomfort

•  Urgency to urinate

•  Frequency to urinate

•  Blood in the urine

How Is the stent removed? 

At the Hospital/Clinic 

A nurse will gently pull the string to remove the stent. The process usually takes a few seconds and may feel uncomfortable but is not usually painful. 

Aftercare following stent removal 

It's normal to experience the following for 24-48 hours:  

•  Burning or stinging during urination  

•  Passing urine more frequently 

•  Pink or slightly bloody urine  

•  Mild lower back or bladder discomfort

Occasionally stents do fall out at home if accidently pulled. If this is the case, you do not need to worry. Call the urology team on the number provided on the back of this leaflet to let them know. Take a picture as they may ask you to send one as proof the whole stent is out.

If you do experience extreme symptoms of pain, blood in your urine or signs of infection please seek medical attention.

When to seek medical help 

Contact your doctor or go to A&E if you experience: 

•  Severe pain in the back or abdomen  

•  Heavy bleeding while passing urine

•  High fever or chills (above 38 C / 100.4 F)  

•  Inability to urinate 

•  Signs of infection (burning urine, smelly urine, feeling unwell) 

General advice 

•  Drink plenty of fluids (at least 1.5 to 2 litres a day) 

•  Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours 

•  Take pain relief if needed (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen) 

•  If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course

Frequently asked questions 

Q: Can the string fall off or go inside? 

A: It's rare, but if the string disappears or breaks, contact your clinic, the stent can still be removed with a simple procedure, called a flexible cystoscopy. 

Q: Can I have a bath or shower with the string? 

A: Yes, but be gentle and avoid pulling on the string. 

Q: Can I go to work or school after stent removal? 

A: Yes, most people feel well enough to return the next day or even the same day

Q: Do I need to seek medical advice if the stent falls out or is accidently removed at home?

A: No, providing you are not in pain, bleeding or have any signs of infection. 

Contact the nursing team, if the stent is accidently removed. 

Stent removed using flexible cystoscopy?

In some cases, your stent is not attached to a string, so removal is done using a flexible cystoscope, a thin, flexible camera inserted through the urethra into the bladder. 

This allows the healthcare professional to see and gently remove the stent with small instruments.

What to expect during flexible cystoscopy

•   Performed under local anaesthetic (gel applied to the urethra).

•   Usually takes 5–10 minutes.

•   The cystoscope is passed into your bladder to locate the stent.

•   Saline is inserted into the bladder to help the healthcare professional see the stent (this may feel uncomfortable). 

•   Small forceps are used to gently remove the stent.

•   May feel pressure or mild discomfort, but not usually painful.

•   You can go home shortly after the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will I feel the stent being removed?

A: You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but local anaesthetic gel helps minimize this.

Q: Can I drive home after the procedure?

A: Yes, if you feel well and haven't had any sedation or pain relief that affects driving.

Q: Is there a risk of damage during cystoscopy?

A: The procedure is very safe, but rarely, there may be temporary irritation, infection, or (very rarely) urethral trauma.