How Long Will My Kidney Hurt After Stent Removal?

It’s completely natural if you have questions or concerns about what to expect after a stent is removed. Many people are anxious about any possible discomfort or pain, especially in the kidney area. Often, the question would be “how long will my kidney hurt after stent removal”. The good thing is that mild to moderate kidney pain is common but transient and temporary. It could last about 1-3 days, usually coinciding with how your body adjusts to the absence of stent.

This post will help you understand what’s normal to ease your worries and empower you to recover with confidence.

Key Points

• Pain and discomfort after kidney stent removal typically lasts 1-3 days

• Common symptoms include kidney pain, frequent urination, burning sensation, and blood in the urine

• Most resume normal activities within a day but pain may persist and rest is recommended

• Seek immediate medical attention for fever, severe pain, or inability to urinate

• Manage pain with hydration, rest, and doctor-recommended pain relievers

Understanding Ureteral (Kidney) Stent Removal

Before going to a deep dive into kidney stent removal, it is important to first deal with what a kidney stent is and why it is used. This is a basic knowledge that can help clarify any reasons behind kidney stent placement and removal.

What is a Kidney Stent?

A kidney stent is a thin, flexible tube that doctors place inside your body to help urine flow from your kidney to your bladder. It’s usually used after treatments for kidney stones or other urology procedures. The stent helps your body to heal and helps blockages in your urinary system.

A stent is usually 10-15 inches long. Both ends of the tube are curled, like little coils. One end goes to your kidney, and the other goes into your bladder. The curling design at the end helps it stay in place.

These medical devices also come in different sizes and are made up of materials that your body can tolerate. Your urologist will choose the best size for you depending on your body and mechanical condition.

Doctors use ureteral stents for several reasons, including:

• Kidney stones that block the ureter

• Narrowing of the ureter due to scar tissue

• Tumors pressing on the urinary tract

• Swelling after surgery

• Complications after a kidney transplant

• Serious urinary tract infections that block urine flow

Stent Removal

The way the stent is removed depends on how it was placed. Some stents have a string that sticks out, which lets your doctor take it out easily in the office. Others need a short procedure called a cystoscopy. During this, a doctor uses a thin tube with a camera to go through your urethra and remove the stent.

Why is a Stent Removed?

A stent is removed when your condition has improved and normal urine flow returns. Your doctor will closely monitor your condition through a series of follow-up and imaging studies.

The kidney stent stays in place for about 2-6 weeks but it may be longer depending on your condition. Your doctor will determine how long this should be. Nonetheless, it is important to note some complications of kidney stents when left for very long:

• Mineral buildup on the stent surface

• Higher infection risk

• Persistent bladder irritation

• Stone formation around the device

Depending on your healing rate, your doctor will schedule a removal. Apart from your healing rate, it depends on several factors as well, such as:

• Stone passage

• Overall urinary function

• Follow-up test results:

• X-rays

• Computed tomography (CT) scans

All these things help your urologist determine if the obstructions have cleared out and your ureter can function well without the stent’s support.

What to Expect After Stent Removal?

Kidney pain after stent removal is normal and acute that may last from 24-48 hours to 72 hours after the procedure. This discomfort is transient and may be gone before you even notice it.

The discomfort is to be expected right after the kidney stent is removed. It occurs because your ureter is readjusting its functioning without the support of the stent.

This especially happens when your body already adapted to the stent in place, so removal creates temporary changes in how urine flows through your system. The ureter may experience spasms or contractions as it returns to normal function.

Most patients describe the post-removal sensation as a dull ache or pressure in their kidney area. This discomfort typically feels different from the sharp pain you might have experienced with kidney stones, and pain levels vary significantly between individuals.

Common Symptoms After Removal

Your body will likely experience several symptoms as it adjusts to life without the stent. These symptoms are normal parts of the healing process and typically resolve within a few days.

Kidney pain is the most frequent complaint after stent removal. This pain usually feels like:

• Dull aching in your back or side

• Pressure sensation in the kidney area

• Discomfort that gets worse with movement

• Pain that comes and goes in waves

Urinary symptoms also commonly occur after stent removal:

• Frequent urination for the first day or two

• Burning sensation when you urinate

• Feeling like you need to urinate even when your bladder is empty

• Slightly pink or light red urine from minor bleeding

These urinary changes occur because your bladder and ureter were irritated by the stent's presence. The tissues need time to heal and return to normal sensitivity levels. Some patients notice changes in their urine stream immediately after removal, which typically improves within 24-48 hours as swelling decreases.

Duration of Pain and Discomfort

Like mentioned, pain from the kidney stent is the most common. About 57% of people rated their pain to be about 4.8 of the pain scale.

The first day usually brings the most acute pain caused by the sudden stent removal to which the kidney and bladder responds to. The reaction can be transient but painful spasms.

The discomfort improves on day two, with only a dull ache remaining. On day three, the improvement is continuously apparent. Many people at this point return to their normal comfort levels.

Factors that can influence the duration of pain upon stent removal:

• Your overall health and healing ability

• How long the stent was in place

• Whether you had complications during placement

• Your pain tolerance and previous experiences

• Following post-removal care instructions

You should contact your doctor if the discomfort or pain lasts more than 48 hours or becomes worse instead of improving. This could suggest complications that require medical attention.

How to Manage Pain After Stent Removal?

Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions that you can follow upon stent removal. Often, this is tailored specifically to your situation. Nonetheless, effective pain management is a requirement so you can comfortably return to your usual activities sooner.

You may be given instructions about over-the-counter medications to manage your pain after stent removal.

Also, hydration plays a critical role in the recovery process. It helps the kidney’s function in flushing out your urinary system and reducing complications, while supporting natural healing. Rest is another important part of the recovery process as it allows your body to focus on healing. You need to take it easy the few days after stent removal to reduce any significant discomfort you may be experiencing.

Home Remedies for Discomfort

There are simple home remedies you can try to help you with the discomfort. These natural remedies work well with prescribed medications. They can work synergistically with each other.

Heat therapy offers relief for many patients:

• Apply a heating pad to your back or side for 15-20 minutes

• Take warm baths to relax muscles and reduce tension

• Use warm compresses on the affected area

• Avoid excessive heat that could cause burns

Hydration remains important for recovery:

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily unless your doctor advises otherwise

• Choose clear fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate your urinary system

• Monitor your urine color - it should be light yellow or clear

Gentle exercise helps reduce stiffness and promote healing:

• Take short, slow walks around your home

• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting

• Practice deep breathing exercises to manage pain

• Change positions frequently to prevent muscle tension

Dietary considerations support recovery:

• Eat light, easily digestible meals

• Avoid spicy or acidic foods that might irritate your urinary tract

• Include water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables

• Consider cranberry juice in moderation for urinary tract health

When to Seek Medical Attention?

Recognizing warning signs helps you get prompt medical care when complications arise. While most post-removal experiences are routine, certain symptoms need immediate attention.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that worsens instead of improving after 24 hours

• Fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C)

• Chills or flu-like symptoms

• Complete inability to urinate for more than 8 hours

• Heavy bleeding with bright red blood or large clots in urine

Additional concerning symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from maintaining fluids

• Signs of dehydration like dizziness or extreme fatigue

• Burning during urination that becomes more severe over time

• Swelling in your legs, face, or around your eyes

• Persistent pain that doesn't respond to prescribed medications

Emergency situations requiring immediate hospital care:

• Sudden, severe kidney pain

• Signs of kidney infection including high fever and back pain

• Allergic reactions to medications

• Breathing difficulties or chest pain

• Loss of consciousness or severe confusion

Don't hesitate to call your urologist's office with questions or concerns. Most practices have after-hours call systems for urgent situations, and early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming serious complications. Your healthcare team prefers to address concerns promptly rather than wait for symptoms to worsen.

Quick Summary Box

• Pain after stent removal typically lasts 1-3 days, with most people rating discomfort around 4.8 out of 10

• About 64% of patients experience symptoms after removal, including pain, frequent urination, and light bleeding

• Hydration, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers help manage discomfort during recovery

• Contact your doctor if pain worsens after 24 hours, fever exceeds 101.5°F, or you cannot urinate

• Most people return to normal activities within a day, though strenuous work may require extra recovery time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after stent removal?

Yes you can drive as long as you feel well and comfortable. Avoid driving if you are experiencing pain and discomfort right after the removal. This may affect your concentration and reaction time.

How soon can I return to work?

You can resume light activities within the day after stent removal. However, rest is important in healing. You must avoid any strenuous activities right after removal. Most people can return to their office work right after with some rest periods.

Is it normal to have blood in urine after stent removal?

Yes it is when it occurs within 1-3 days after stent removal. However, the color of the urine must only be slightly pink. Bright red blood or clots may indicate another problem, which requires immediate medical attention.

What should I eat after stent removal?

Keep a balanced diet while paying attention to your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine as these can irritate your kidney and ureter during the healing process.

 

Related Resources

How to Sleep with a Kidney Stent? Your Comfort Guide

What is Atrophic Kidney? When the Body Filters Begin to Fail

References

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, August 25). Ureteral stents: What are they, procedure & recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21795-ureteral-stents 

LIVING WITH A URETERIC STENT. (n.d.). The British Association of Urological Surgeons; York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/seecmsfile/?id=1565 

Loh-Doyle, J. C., Low, R. K., Monga, M., & Nguyen, M. M. (2015). Patient Experiences and Preferences with Ureteral Stent Removal. Journal of Endourology, 29(1), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.1089/end.2014.0402 

Postoperative Instructions for Cystoscopy and Stent Placement. (n.d.). The Urology Group of Virginia. https://www.urologygroupvirginia.com/patient-resources/patient-instructions/postoperative-instructions/postoperative-instructions-for-cystoscopy-and-stent-placement 

Rezaee, M. E., Vollstedt, A. J., Yamany, T., Monga, M., Krambeck, A., Shah, O., Sur, R. L., Zampini, A. M., Scotland, K. B., Chew, B. H., Eisner, B. H., & Pais, V. M. (2021). Stent duration and increased pain in the hours after ureteral stent removal. The Canadian Journal of Urology, 28(1), 10516–10521. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33625341/ 

What to Expect from a Ureteral Stent. (2021, January 27). Advanced Urology. https://www.advancedurology.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-ureteral-stent