What to Expect with a DJ Ureteral Stent: Managing Irritation and Activity

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube placed inside the ureter, the passage from the kidney to the bladder. The curled ends help keep it in position. It can bypass an obstruction or keep urine moving while swelling settles after a procedure.

An internal stent is different from a catheter that drains the bladder into a bag. You will usually continue to pass urine normally. The reason it was inserted determines how long it should stay; there is no single removal schedule that suits every patient.

The lower end of the stent sits in the bladder and can make it feel as though you need to urinate even when it is not very full. Some people notice frequency, urgency, burning, a sensation of incomplete emptying or an ache in the bladder area.

A flank ache during or just after urination can occur. Light blood staining may become more noticeable after activity. These symptoms can fluctuate, but do not assume that every change is “just the stent”. New fever, feeling unwell, worsening pain or heavy bleeding should be assessed.

Start with manageable activity and increase it according to your discharge advice and comfort. If exertion consistently worsens pain or bleeding, ease back and ask the team about your limits. Plan toilet access for journeys and longer work sessions. A physically demanding job may need a different return-to-work plan from desk work.

Drink regularly, following any kidney or heart-related fluid restriction. Forcing very large amounts of water is not a substitute for medical assessment if pain is severe or urine output falls. Ask your team what intake is appropriate for you.

Your clinician may prescribe medicine for pain or stent-related bladder symptoms. Check what you can take, particularly if kidney function is reduced, and avoid adding medicines or supplements without checking compatibility. Antibiotics should not be started simply because the stent feels uncomfortable.

Some temporary stents have a thin string that exits through the urethra. Keep it protected from accidental pulling. Do not cut it, tug it or attempt removal unless your own team has explicitly instructed you how and when to do so.

Ask about bathing, sexual activity and exercise while the string is present. If the string changes position or the stent appears to move or come out, contact the treating team promptly. Seek urgent care if this is accompanied by fever, severe pain or difficulty urinating.

A stent should not be forgotten. Leaving it beyond the intended interval can allow mineral build-up, infection and more difficult removal. Some patients need a planned exchange rather than simple removal; your indication and stent type determine the schedule.

Removal may be through a short telescope passed into the bladder, often with local anaesthetic, or by an approved string-removal plan. Ask whether you need a urine test beforehand and what arrangements are needed. Do not wait indefinitely if you have not received the promised appointment.

• Record the date and reason for insertion.
• Write down the removal or exchange deadline.
• Save the treating unit’s daytime and out-of-hours numbers.
• Confirm who will arrange follow-up if another hospital inserted the stent.

Mild burning or a small amount of blood in the urine can occur for a short time after removal. Follow the aftercare instructions provided, including advice about fluids and pain relief. Symptoms should settle rather than become progressively worse.

Persistent or worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding or difficulty passing urine needs medical advice. Removal also does not replace the planned review of your stone treatment. Check whether you still need imaging, stone analysis or a discussion about preventing another stone.