Ureteric Stent Insertion and Removal

What is a ureteric stent?

A ureteric stent — commonly called a double-J stent or DJ stent, referring to the J-shape of each curled end — is a thin, flexible hollow tube made of a medical-grade polymer. It measures approximately 25–30 centimetres in length and is designed to sit inside the ureter, with one end curled inside the kidney and the other curled inside the bladder. The tube allows urine to drain through its central channel and around its outer surface, bypassing any obstruction or swelling in the ureter.

Stents are temporary devices. They are not intended to remain in place permanently, and a plan for removal is always made at the time of insertion.

When is a ureteric stent used?

Ureteric stents are placed in several situations:

• After ureterorenoscopy: Following flexible or semi-rigid URS for stone treatment, a stent is routinely placed to allow the ureter to heal and permit stone fragments and debris to pass without causing obstruction.
• Ureteric obstruction: When a stone, tumour, external compression (such as enlarged lymph nodes or pelvic mass), or ureteric stricture is blocking urine flow from the kidney, a stent relieves the obstruction and protects kidney function while definitive treatment is planned.
• Ureteric injury: After accidental ureteric injury during surgery, a stent protects the repair and allows healing.
• Before urological procedures: In some cases, a stent is placed beforehand to dilate the ureter and facilitate access during the planned procedure.

What to expect: while the stent is in place

Common stent symptoms

The majority of patients with a ureteric stent experience some urinary symptoms, which are related to the presence of the stent in the bladder and ureter:

• Urinary frequency and urgency — the lower coil of the stent in the bladder can irritate the bladder wall
• Loin (flank) ache, particularly on urination or when the bladder is full — this is caused by reflux of urine up the stent towards the kidney
• Blood in the urine — usually mild and settles with hydration; increases with physical activity
• Mild burning on urination

These symptoms are expected and are not a sign that something has gone wrong. They typically resolve promptly after stent removal.

When to seek medical advice

Contact the clinical team if you develop a high temperature (above 38°C), severe pain uncontrolled by standard analgesia, complete inability to pass urine, or if you think the stent may have moved or come out.

Stent removal

Stent removal is arranged as an outpatient appointment. The procedure is performed using a flexible cystoscope in the clinic, under local anaesthetic gel. A grasping instrument retrieves the lower loop of the stent through the cystoscope. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes. You can go home immediately afterwards.

After stent removal

Most patients notice rapid resolution of stent-related symptoms within 24–48 hours of removal. Some temporary increase in urinary frequency or mild discomfort may persist briefly as the ureter and bladder settle.

Follow-up imaging may be arranged after stent removal — particularly if the stent was placed for stone treatment — to confirm that the ureter is draining freely and that no significant stone fragments remain. Your urologist will advise on any further follow-up required.