Are ureteral stents safe?
James Williams
Updated on February 28, 2026
Stents are flexible and you can continue with your activities as normal, however, the side effects from the stent might make you feel tired and uncomfortable. It is safe to travel with a ureteric stent, however, you might find holidays less enjoyable if you are having a lot of symptoms.
What are the side effects of a ureteral stent?
Possible Side Effects of Stents
- Blood in the urine (Hematuria). This can be tea-colored, pink or bright red; you may even notice some clots.
- Pain. There can be flank, side or back pain due to the stent.
- Urinary urgency and frequency. You may notice you have to urinate very quickly and very often.
- Burning with urination.
What can go wrong with kidney stent?
Ureteral stents are one of the most commonly used devices in the treatment of benign and malignant urological diseases. However, they are associated with common complications including encrustation, infection, pain and discomfort caused by ureteral tissue irritation and possibly irregular peristalsis.
Can a ureteral stent cause kidney damage?
Conclusions: Chronic renal failure caused by encrusted stents in a functionally solitary kidney is a disastrous complication of forgotten stents. Prevention is, of course, ideal, but such cases are still seen despite increasing awareness.
Can a stent damage your ureter?
The use of ureteral stents is associated with some complications (1, 2, 4, 6). The major complication during ureteral stenting includes increased rates of urinary tract infection (2-4).
Do and don’ts after stent?
Don’t lift heavy objects. Avoid strenuous exercise. Avoid sexual activity for a week. Wait at least a week before swimming or bathing.
What happens if stent is not removed?
Forgotten ureteral stents can cause a spectrum of complications ranging from hematuria, stent occlusion, migration, fragmentation, encrustation, and stone formation to serious complications like recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), urinary tract obstruction, and renal failure [5], [6].
Can stents block up again?
What is Restenosis? Restenosis means that a section of blocked artery that was opened up with angioplasty or a stent has become narrowed again. There are many treatment options for patients who have restenosis after receiving a stent.
Can I pull out my stent?
Stents can be removed in two different ways. Sometimes, a string is left attached to the end of the stent. This string is allowed to come out of the patient’s urethra, the tube where he or she urinates. The string can be used to pull on the stent and remove it.
Are there any complications associated with ureteral stent insertion?
Other common complications associated with ureteral stent insertion include infection, ureteral tissue irritation and irregular peristalsis. Stent migration and failure can also occur. These complications are, however, most commonly found in those with forgotten ureteral stents or those with long-term stents.
Can a kidney stent cause an urinary tract infection?
Infection – Due to the presence of a foreign object in the body there can be a risk of developing urinary tract infections in patients using a kidney stent. An UTI can develop due to bacterial growth in the ureter or when the stent becomes coated with mineral deposits that are present in the urine.
How many patients have migrated from a ureteral stent?
Of the 110 stents, 11 percent fragmented and nine migrated. Stent migration occurred with pre- and intraoperative fragmentation of the stent in 9 cases and was associated with the lack of urine acidification. Thirty four patients had fever after stent insertion.
When do you need surgery for an ureteral stent?
You may need surgery if the stent cannot be put in safely. The stent may become blocked or move out of place. If the stent remains in place for a long time, minerals and bacteria may grow over it. This can cause a blockage or a bladder infection.