The Stent After RIRS: How Long, How Much Discomfort & How to Manage It

Medicine Made Simple Summary

If you’ve had RIRS for kidney stones, your doctor may have mentioned placing a stent — a thin tube that helps urine flow from the kidney to the bladder while your body heals. Many patients worry about pain, discomfort, and how long it needs to stay. This article explains everything in simple terms: why a stent is used, how it feels, common side effects, how to manage them, and when it’s removed. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make your recovery more comfortable.

1. What Exactly Is a Stent After RIRS?

After RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery), doctors often place a small, soft tube called a ureteral stent between the kidney and the bladder. It’s about 20–30 cm long and as thin as a piece of spaghetti. One end sits inside the kidney, the other in the bladder, with tiny curls at both ends to keep it in place.

The stent acts like a support tube, keeping the urinary tract open so urine can flow freely while the ureter heals from swelling or minor irritation caused during the procedure. It also prevents blockage from small stone fragments that may still pass after RIRS.

2. Why Is a Stent Needed After RIRS?

Even though RIRS is minimally invasive, it can cause temporary swelling or inflammation inside the ureter. This swelling can narrow the passage, making it harder for urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder. The stent ensures urine keeps flowing and prevents pressure from building up inside the kidney.

Your doctor may also recommend a stent if:

• The stone was large or multiple stones were treated.
• The ureter was stretched to pass instruments.
• There was any minor injury or bleeding.
• You had infection or narrowing of the ureter.

In many cases, it’s a safety step — a way to help your body heal comfortably without complications.

3. How Long Does the Stent Stay In?

The duration of stent placement varies by patient and procedure complexity, but typically:

• Most stents stay in for 7–14 days.
• For more complex or multiple stones, it might remain for up to 3–4 weeks.
• In special cases, when healing takes longer, the doctor may extend this to 6 weeks or more, but this is less common.

Your urologist will tell you exactly when it should be removed. The stent is temporary, and leaving it too long can increase discomfort or infection risk, so follow-up appointments are important.

4. How Is the Stent Removed?

Stent removal is a simple, quick outpatient procedure that usually takes only a few minutes. The doctor uses a thin flexible camera (a cystoscope) inserted through the urethra to gently grasp and remove the stent.

You’ll be awake, but a numbing gel is applied to prevent pain. Some people feel mild pressure or a tugging sensation, but it’s over very quickly. You can usually go home right after and return to normal activities within hours.

5. What Does It Feel Like to Have a Stent?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The experience varies — some barely notice the stent, while others feel mild to moderate discomfort. Typical sensations include:

• A dull ache in the lower back or side.
• The urge to urinate frequently.
• Mild pain or burning during urination.
• A feeling of fullness in the bladder.
• Occasional blood-tinged urine.

These are all normal. The discomfort is mostly due to the stent rubbing slightly against the bladder or ureter as urine flows. Most symptoms improve after the first few days as your body adjusts.

6. Common Side Effects and Why They Happen

The stent touches sensitive areas inside your urinary tract, so some irritation is expected. Common effects include:

• Urinary frequency: You may feel like you need to pee often, even when your bladder isn’t full.
• Mild flank pain: Felt on the same side as the stent, especially during or after urination.
• Blood in urine: A light pink color is normal, especially after physical activity.
• Bladder discomfort: Caused by the lower end of the stent moving slightly.

If these symptoms are mild, they’re not a cause for concern. However, call your doctor if you have fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or can’t urinate — these could indicate infection or blockage.

7. Managing Discomfort While the Stent Is In Place

The good news is that most stent-related discomfort can be managed with simple measures:

• Stay hydrated: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to keep urine diluted and reduce irritation.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can increase bladder spasms and worsen symptoms.
• Take prescribed medications: Your doctor may prescribe pain relief or antispasmodic medicines to ease bladder irritation.
• Limit strenuous activity: Avoid heavy lifting, running, or bending, which may increase discomfort.
• Empty your bladder regularly: Don’t hold urine for long periods.

Wearing loose clothing and maintaining a regular bathroom schedule can also help reduce pressure.

8. Sleeping Comfortably with a Stent

Many patients say nighttime discomfort is the hardest part. To sleep better:

• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid right before bed.
• Use an extra pillow or sleep slightly elevated to reduce pressure on your bladder.
• Take any prescribed medicine about 30 minutes before bedtime.
• A warm compress on the lower abdomen can help relax bladder muscles.

With these small adjustments, most patients can rest comfortably while the stent is in place.

9. What Happens After the Stent Is Removed?

Once the stent is removed, you might experience:

• A slight burning feeling during urination for a day or two.
• Mild blood in the urine.
• A temporary increase in urinary frequency.

These symptoms usually disappear within 48 hours. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the urinary tract and speed recovery. Most patients feel complete relief within a few days.

Your doctor may order an ultrasound or CT scan later to confirm that all stones and fragments have been cleared.

10. Can You Live Normally with a Stent In Place?

Yes, absolutely — most people can continue their daily routine with minor adjustments. You can work, walk, and perform light activities, but it’s best to avoid heavy exercise, cycling, or long-distance running until the stent is removed.

Sexual activity is generally safe unless your doctor advises otherwise, though some may experience mild discomfort or urgency afterward.

11. When to Call Your Doctor

Seek immediate medical advice if you experience:

• Severe pain not relieved by medication.
• Fever, chills, or cloudy urine.
• Heavy bleeding or clots in urine.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Loss of urine output.

These symptoms may indicate infection, stent displacement, or blockage — all manageable when treated promptly.

12. The Importance of Follow-Up and Timely Removal

A stent is meant to be temporary — leaving it in for too long increases the risk of infection, encrustation (mineral build-up), or blockage. Always attend your follow-up appointment to remove or replace the stent as scheduled.

If you’re traveling or unable to visit your doctor soon, inform your healthcare team so they can plan accordingly.

13. Summary: Stents Are Temporary Helpers, Not Problems

While the ureteral stent after RIRS can cause mild discomfort, it plays a vital role in helping your body heal safely and effectively. Most symptoms are manageable and temporary. Once removed, relief is usually immediate and complete.

Understanding why the stent is there and how to care for yourself during this period will make recovery far more comfortable and stress-free.

Conclusion

If you have a stent placed after RIRS, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor how long it will stay, what symptoms are normal, and how to manage them. Schedule your removal appointment early and follow all instructions carefully — doing so ensures safe healing and faster comfort.