A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube temporarily placed inside the urinary tract, connecting the kidney to the bladder. Its primary function is to bypass an obstruction, such as a kidney stone, ensuring urine can drain properly from the kidney while the ureter heals or the stone is passed. The removal of this device marks a significant step in recovery after a procedure involving the upper urinary tract. Understanding the normal sensations that follow removal can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
Common Physical Sensations Immediately Following Removal
The most frequently reported sensations immediately following stent removal stem from the sudden irritation and subsequent readjustment of the urinary tract lining. The flexible plastic tube causes mild inflammation in the ureter and bladder simply by its continuous presence. When the stent is pulled out, the tissues of the ureter and the bladder wall are briefly scraped, leading to a temporary increase in symptoms.
One of the most noticeable effects is a significant increase in urinary urgency and frequency, often accompanied by bladder spasms. The lower end of the stent coils within the bladder, and its removal leaves the bladder muscle temporarily hypersensitive, triggering sudden and strong urges to urinate. This sensation can feel similar to a urinary tract infection, sometimes including a burning or stinging discomfort during urination, known as dysuria.
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common and expected occurrence after stent removal. The urine may appear light pink or a faint reddish color due to minor bleeding from the irritated mucosal lining of the urethra and bladder. This bleeding is typically slight and should not be confused with bright red blood or the passage of large clots. The mechanical irritation during removal is the direct cause of this temporary discoloration.
Some people experience flank or lower back pain, especially while urinating, which is sometimes referred to as “reflux pain.” When the bladder contracts to push urine out, a small amount of urine can temporarily flow backward up the ureter toward the kidney, leading to a dull ache or pressure. This discomfort happens because the ureter must now re-learn to prevent backflow without the stent holding the tract open. Though uncomfortable, these symptoms show the body is beginning to function independently of the device.
Recovery Timeline and Symptom Management
The recovery period after kidney stent removal is typically brief, with most bothersome symptoms resolving quickly. The most acute sensations, such as bladder spasms and burning discomfort, usually subside within the first 24 to 72 hours following the procedure. While some individuals may experience mild lingering effects for up to a week, a return to normal urinary comfort is generally rapid.
Hydration is an effective management strategy during this time, serving to flush the urinary system and dilute the urine. Drinking two to three liters of water daily helps to minimize irritation to the bladder wall and reduces the concentration of blood in the urine. This flushing action is also beneficial for preventing a urinary tract infection, which is a minor risk following any procedure involving the urinary tract.
To manage temporary discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used, and the healthcare provider may have prescribed an anti-spasmodic medication to relax the bladder muscle. Taking these prescribed medications on a schedule, rather than waiting until pain becomes severe, can greatly reduce the intensity of the spasms and urgency. Warm baths or a heating pad applied to the lower abdomen can also provide soothing relief for bladder cramping.
Activity restrictions are usually minimal, with most people able to resume light activity the day after the stent is removed. Avoiding overly strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first 24 hours is often advised, as increased physical activity can temporarily increase the amount of blood visible in the urine. It is also helpful to temporarily avoid known bladder irritants in the diet, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can exacerbate urinary urgency and burning sensations.
Warning Signs Requiring Prompt Medical Contact
While temporary discomfort and minor bleeding are expected parts of the recovery process, certain symptoms indicate a complication that requires immediate medical attention. A persistent, high fever (exceeding 101.5°F), especially when accompanied by chills or shaking, is a sign of a possible infection. Urinary tract infections can rapidly progress to a more serious kidney infection if not treated with antibiotics.
Severe pain that is not alleviated by the prescribed pain medication is cause for concern. If the pain becomes overwhelming or returns to the level of discomfort experienced with a kidney stone, it could signal a problem like an obstruction. Any inability to urinate, known as urinary retention, is considered a medical emergency and must be addressed immediately.
Heavy or persistent bleeding is another warning sign that requires prompt contact with a healthcare professional. While pink or light red urine is normal, passing large blood clots or experiencing bright, profuse bleeding that does not subside after a few hours is not. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine that lasts beyond the first day or two may also suggest an infection that needs evaluation.