The morbidity of ureteral stents is well known, and despite advances in stent material and design, techniques or medications have done little to mitigate the discomfort for most patients. Recent literature has demonstrated that the majority of patients with ureteral stents have significant lower urinary tract symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. These symptoms include hematuria, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, and flank pain when urinating.
Flank pain:
Most individuals find that having a ureteral stent after surgery for kidney stones can be irritating but is nothing like the pain of having a kidney stone. Most are able to go back to work without restrictions. Patients usually described being able to “feel” the stent in place when bending, lifting or twisting. This is common. You may experience flank and groin pain from the stent. You may also notice pain in your flank when you urinate. This is because the stent allows urine to travel back up to the kidney and can cause kidney irritation. This will resolve when the stent is removed.
Blood in urine:
Stents can also cause blood in the urine. Blood in the urine is like food coloring: It only takes a few drops to make it look bright red. You may notice anywhere from light pink clear urine to something resembling Kool-Aid. This is common and can be expected from the stent. Blood in the urine can go away and then come back spontaneously while the stent is in place. Increase the amount of water you are drinking and make sure you stay hydrated. Please call us if you start passing clots in your urine greater than a dime to quarter in size.
Urinary frequency/Urgency/Burning:
Because of how the stent sits in your bladder, it may cause feelings of having to urinate more than you usually do. There may be some mild burning with urination.