Ureteric Stent — What to Expect

What is a ureteric stent?

A ureteric stent (also called a JJ stent or double-J stent) is a soft, hollow plastic tube that sits inside the urinary tract, running from the kidney down to the bladder. It has a coil at each end — one in the kidney and one in the bladder — to hold it in position. Stents are placed to keep the ureter open after operations such as ureteroscopy, to relieve a blockage, or to protect a repair. They are a temporary measure and are always removed once they have served their purpose — usually within one to six weeks, sometimes longer.

Before your procedure (stent insertion)

Stents are most commonly inserted at the end of another procedure (e.g. ureteroscopy) while you are already under anaesthesia, so specific preparation is that of the primary operation. If a stent is inserted under a separate local anaesthetic cystoscopy, no fasting is required.

What happens during stent insertion

The stent is placed using a cystoscope (telescope) passed through the urethra. A guidewire is passed up the ureter under X-ray guidance, and the stent is then threaded over the wire into position. The procedure takes approximately 10–20 minutes. Some stents have an external string that exits through the urethra — used for easy self-removal at a specified time, with clear instructions provided.

Living with a ureteric stent

It is very common to experience symptoms while a stent is in place:

• Urinary frequency and urgency: The coil in the bladder can irritate the bladder wall, causing a persistent urge to urinate more often than usual.
• Loin discomfort: A dull ache in the flank (kidney area) may occur, especially when urinating, as urine refluxes along the stent.
• Haematuria: Blood-stained urine is common and usually harmless — drink 2 litres of fluid daily.
• Bladder spasms: Cramping sensations in the lower abdomen or bladder can occur. Prescribed antispasmodic medication can help.
• Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting while the stent is in place, as this can worsen symptoms. Gentle walking is encouraged.

Stent removal

Stent removal is arranged in advance. Most stents are removed in an outpatient appointment using a flexible cystoscope under local anaesthetic gel — the process takes only a few minutes. If your stent has an extraction string, you may be instructed to remove it yourself at home after a specific number of days; detailed written instructions and a video guide will be provided. Do not delay stent removal beyond the agreed date — retained stents can block and encrust.

When to seek medical help

Contact the secretary on 22 444 444 or El Greco Medical Centre +357 22 782 000 out of hours if you experience:

• Fever above 38 °C or rigors — this is a potential sign of urosepsis and requires urgent review
• Complete inability to pass urine
• Heavy, persistent bright-red bleeding
• Severe pain not controlled by prescribed analgesia

Attend the nearest Accident & Emergency department immediately if you feel acutely unwell, have a high fever with chills, or cannot pass urine.