We know that the prospect of needing to have a stent removed is a big source of anxiety for patients. While almost everyone can’t wait to have his or her stent out, not knowing what to expect during the removal procedure can be just as bad. To better prepare you for your procedure and perhaps relieve some of your concerns, we asked visitors to the website who have already gone through the process to share their experiences with you. The results of our stent removal survey follows. Thanks to everyone who replied and let us know what you think in the comments below.
How are people having their stents removed?
575 of you have responded to the survey over the last 3 months that it has been up. The most common method of stent removal was through the use of a flexible camera placed in the urethra (cystoscopy) in the doctor’s office, with almost half of respondents reporting this approach (45%). 17% instead had their stents removed using cystoscopy in the operating room. 12% removed their stents themselves by pulling on a stent string while the last remaining 26% had their stents removed by having their doctor’s office pull on the string. Our post on stent removal describes these techniques in more detail.
How much pain should I expect?
Out of a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain ever and 1 being no pain at all, the overall average amount of pain reported was 4.8 or a moderate amount of discomfort. However, it may surprise you to hear that the most common rating given was 1, or no pain at all, chosen by 18%. So while some patients do report a high amount of pain with their stent removal, many had no pain or only mild pain. If we look at pain by method of stent removal, average pain was relatively higher for those who had their stent removed by office cystoscopy (5.4 out of a scale of 1 to 10) followed by doctor’s office string removal (4.9), operating room cystoscopy (3.9), and self string removal which had the lowest reported amount of pain (3.8). However, these differences between method of removal are not dramatic given that the scale goes from 1 to 10.
Will I experience pain afterwards?
Most patients had no pain or only mild pain after their stent removal. Unfortunately, a third of patients (33%) did experience a severe attack of pain after their stent removal, including an unfortunate 9% who required a return trip to the emergency room for their pain. When comparing recurrent pain by method of stent removal, severe pain occurring after stent removal was more common in the self string removal group (43%) and less likely in the doctor’s office string removal group, office cystoscopy, and operating room cystoscopy groups (26%, 33%, and 33%, respectively). It’s not clear why those who pulled out their own stents were more likely to report a severe episode of pain afterwards. There is some evidence that taking a tablet of an NSAID medication (naproxen) before removing your stent can help reduce the chance of experiencing a severe episode of pain.
How did the experience compare to what you expected?
Overall, 35% felt the actual stent removal experience was not as bad or not nearly as bad as they expected. 27% reported that their experience was about what they expected. 15% felt it was a bit worse and 23% felt it was a much worse. Reporting the pain as much worse than expected occurred in 27% of those who underwent office cystoscopy, 24% of those who had their stents pulled out by the clinic, 20% of those who pulled out the stent themselves, and 15% of those who had a cystoscopy in the operating room.
If you had a choice, would you choose this option again?
Those who underwent operating room cystoscopy to remove their stents were most likely to choose the same technique again (65% replying probably or definitely would choose this method again) followed by self string removal (59%), doctor’s office string removal (55%), and office cystoscopy (50%).
While we asked respondents whether they would choose the same method for stent removal the next time, not all options for stent removal may always be available to you. For example, your doctor may choose not to use a string if he or she feels that your stent needs to remain in longer than a few days because the string can easily get snagged and the stent might accidentally be removed too early. Secondly, stent removal in the operating room is not always an option because: time in the operating room may not be available, the risk to you of undergoing anesthesia again may outweigh the benefit of having the procedure done in this fashion, the costs to you in terms of time and money involved in scheduling and preparing for an operating room procedure may not be worth it. We recommend that you talk to your doctor to go over the best option for stent removal in your particular case.
Priorities as a patient:
We asked respondents how much of a priority certain things were to them as a patient with a stent. Being informed why a stent was placed was the biggest priority for respondents (4.7 on an importance scale of 1-5). Being informed about what was actually involved in the stent removal procedure was also a high priority (4.5). Being able to have general anesthesia was a moderate priority (3.1) while being able to see a video/diagram of the process was a lower priority (2.9).
Okay, what’s the bottom line?
Most patients reported an average amount of discomfort with stent removal by any technique. Many patients actually reported no or minimal pain but about a third reported significant pain. Removal by office cystoscopy was associated with more pain on average and removing a stent yourself by pulling on the stent string was associated with less pain on average. A third of patients may experience a delayed attack of severe pain after their stent removal. Overall, about 62% reported that the experience was not as bad or about what they expected but 38% said it was a bit worse or much worse than they expected.
Editors note: Post updated on August 29th with additional survey results.
I had a stent removed today (7/18/17) it was extremely uncomfortable but was super fast. When I had the stent in I could barely function, it was as if the stent was tearing my insides up. I wasn’t prescribed or given the option to take medications I’ve seen mentioned in other comments since I’m almost 30 weeks pregnant. Now that the stent is out I feel pain in my lower right side (side stent was on) it goes all the way thru to my back. Anyone else experience pains like this? How long should it last?
I had a stone broken up and stent placed with the string coming out. I was not prescribed any pain pills and the day after the procedure was brutal. The tenderness of the kidney, fragments passing, and the back flow of urine into the kidney caused severe pain. It got progressively better though, and by day five when the stent was to be removed, the back flow had about stopped hurting. Stent removal is not too bad. It is quick, uncomfortable, but my pain was 2/10. I clenched down more out of apprehension than anything, but it took 5 seconds max. No pain afterwards other than one 10 minute period when my kidney ached, possibly from residual dialation of ureter.
Remember you have dealt with severe pain…this is not going to cause severe pain. If like me, you will wince in anticipation, but will only feel a twinge and the oddness of the sensation…then it is over. You can do this!
I had 14mm stone in lower ureter.during operation at rg stone delhi …doctors put a j.j stent.on the next day of operation I feel a little discomfort.but after 3 days I started driving.
After 15 days doctor remove stunt via cystoscopy.i don’t feel any type of pain..
Sir, in the stent removal process, did they give anasthesia?
I had surgery last Monday 26th June to laser 8mm stone all was fragmented and removed had a stent implantation and the pain since has been chronic painkillers are helping and Dr says I have to wait 6 weeks for removal of stent seems a long time to wait anybody out there with similar story ???????
I had a laparoskopik pyloplasty around 6 weeks ago and will have my stent removed on the 11th. With the discomfort and occasional bloody urine when I over do it like too much walking or running around after kids etc I cannot wait this thing out. But I am dreading it.
I had my first stent in for 3 months, I also had an 8mm stone. They put the stent in to see if the stone would pass and after 3 months the dr decided to do lithotripsy and took the stent out right after. I just had another stent put in May 16th and had surgery July 3rd, stent will be coming out tomorrow July 10th. I’m assuming 6 weeks is normal depending on the size of the stone.
My wife had a stent install for six months they supposed to remove it its now more than a year ago the stent is still inside her an caused a lot of pain
I had stone removal Wednesday 6/28/17, Thursday 6/29/17 I was still in pain but not as much, Friday 6/30/17 Morning I felt great the burning stopped I was able to finally pee a real pee. Friday 6/30/17 Evening I used the restroom as I been doing all day, it didnt hurt. I went to wash my hands and I felt something warm rolling down my leg, it was real bloody urine. At this point its very uncomfortable and the urine will not stop. I got to the ER where my urologist also works on call. He was not there, the ER dr and staff are running all these tests blood work, urine, CT scans. Finally they come to the conclusion my stent has shifted and will not remove it because they were not the Dr who put it in. Well my dr office isnt open on the weekend and they are closed Monday 7/3/17 and Tuesday 7/4/17 in observance of the holiday. I have a scheduled appointment for Wednesday the 5th anyways and the ER just told me to keep my scheduled appointment and talk to my dr then. So I have to go in this extreme pain for 5days before anything can be done and im leaking on myself so bad a pad isnt helping me. I can not urinate on my own even though I feel like I really really need to pee, I can’t sit, stand, walk, talk, work or even lay down without peeing all over myself. I am 33 years old and I have to wear depends because of this issue. I will NEVER recommend a stent to anyone. I know not everyone experiences the same situations but on my behalf I will never recommend it. Today is the end of 6/2/17 and so far my whole weekend ruined this pain is crazy bad, I can bend down my insides feel like they are falling out EVERY time I sit, stand move wrong way bend down, crouch down. One of the most horrible experiences in my life!!!!!! I WILL NEVER get another stent in my life! Not to mention before I finally had my kidney stone removal I had a 9mm kidney stone totally blocking me for a whole month. I wasnt able to urinate but a few drops about 10times a day if that. Now that this stent has been in sideways for longer then it has been in the correct position, I am afraid that this could cause some permanent damage. Has anyone else had a horror experience from a stent similar to mine?
TIA,
Ashley
So sorry! ! I’d RUN to a different urologist if one is available. That’s a horror story indeed. I have 2 stones, not sure of the size. One is in the kidney, not at all interested in coming out. My Dr is very good. Even called on the weekend! ! It DOES hurt, I hope it’s over soon.
Yes I’m going through this now. I had a stent put in for two weeks for a 9mm stone as well. The doctor was overbooked so I had to wait two weeks for him to surgically remove the stone. It was horrible. The urine incontinence is unbearable! I used 2 to 3 Poise pads and the urine flushes out of me like something I’ve never seen before.
Today makes 3 days since he removed the stone. The pain of the stone is no longer there but the stent is horror. I’m literalky gushing urine and blood. I had to call and email several times before he answered me to tell me to go to the ER or his office tomorrow morning. I will be going to his office in the morning. I’m a prisoner in my own home since I can’t hold urine. The pain is off the charts. What’s worse is that this is about my 9th stone and I never had this issue with stents. My main urologist was in vacation and I had to get another urologist who is not only rude but all these weird things are happening to me and when I tell him he seems bothered.
I had my stent removed today. I couldn’t taken the pain and urinating on myself non-stop.
It was so quick, it did not hurt. Right now all I feel is nauseous. I think it’s the antibiotics.
I pray that I will never ever need another stent in my life!
I just want to know how long after having the stent removed from the operation will I be able to have an erection without any pain? If anyone has an experience regarding that issue, I’d love to know about it. My stent was removed 8 days ago. Seriously, the worst experience of my life, pain was above a 10. Scared to have sex as I don’t want to experience anymore pain down there. If anyone has any suggestions, or has a timeframe that they think I might not experience pain any longer, I’d love to hear about it. It’s amazing how many of us are having a horrible experience with this. Why can’t they in all their glory come up with a better way to do this?
I think it may be different for each person, but I had mild ones even with stent in. Immediately afterwards it was back to normal.
I was in hospital my stent is removed today. It was the worse time of my life. It took 15 mint and after fright with stent they removed my stent. Immediately they send me home but the pain and burning is killing me also there is blood and no urine. I feel like dying. Just i take a pain killer. I hope to recover.
You poor thing I’m having the stent put on on the 24th this month a day before my b day I’m terrified I have MVP too mitral valve prolapse
I have MVP. Just had my second surgery and they put in a stent with string and I get to take our in few days. I am incontinent and some pain but mostly controlled.
Today I had ureter stent removed by urologist pulling string in his clinic.
It was not the most pleasant feeling but I was so looking forward to having the removal of the stent I’m so glad it’s out after six days. Unfortunately I found it very uncomfortable. It hurt a lot to urinate but I found the more I drank water, the easier it was.
I wanted to ask that urologist if I can have a bath and completely forgot. Anyone have advice on this? I cannot find a reference online.
I was not to.
i was put to sleep for my stent removal. i didn’t feel not one bit of pain. i slept for nearly 2 days aftwards. when a awoke i my appitie was larger than usual. on ascale of 0-10 my pain was 0. once i got home to nearly a week later. when i move certain ways i’m experiencing a feeling as if something ripping or splitting in my stomach area. would i have the procedure again yes. if i needed it without hesitation.
Just had stent fitted after being taken ill last friday night (9th june 2017) with the most severe pain i’ve ever experienced.
I have a stone up by my kidney which will be lasered in about 6 weeks time and stent will be removed at same time under general anaesthetic.
I also had severe kidney infection and blood infection.
Since coming home, i am pretty much pain free except when i urinate when i get a horrible pain in my kidney that makes me come out in a cold sweat. I dread going.
Am I being a whimp? Will this happen all the time the stent is in and any tips for coping?
I’m worried about going back to work.
Also any tips after stent removal?
Thanks
Hi…I’ve had two stents installed, one for a week before I had my stone lasered and another directly after the lasering to aid with recovery. I’m having mine removed in two days time…and can’t wait. In terms of pain and discomfort…it is uncomfortable, but I’ve found that if I don’t move about a lot (which causes more blood in the urine) and I use a reclining chair it very bearable. I have the same pain when passing water, but have learnt to go often rather than wait until I need to…and not to push ( as this forces urine up the stent and causes huge pain). I’ve also found that leaning forward helps to prevent having to strain and cause pain. Hope this helps…
I had my stent removed 4 weeks ago after having my 7th Lithotripsy along with 7 stents and everytime they’ve(the stents) gotten worse. Lithotripsy the last 2 were within 2 weeks of eachother, after being on Dilaudid that entire time and having the stent in for 6 weeks it was removed. Fast forward to 4 weeks later present time, I’m having ALOT of mainline a stone. I’ve had little twinges of pain but tonight it’s bad. My ureter was really damaged from all the trauma and now im.worried. has this or anyone heard of pain 4 weeks after?
I’m 36 and this was the first stone I’ve ever had and the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I had my surgery on June 7th to bust up 8mm stone and had the stent with string hanging out. Had to leave stent in for 7 days and didn’t get much sleep. Being a male your penis changes sizes constantly and with a string hanging out if can get very uncomfortable especially if you wake up with an erection which seem to be happening more than normal. I think it was the flomax the Dr. prescribed. The stent mostly gave me pain at the end of urination, my kidney and bladder would cramp up. This gets old quick since you have to pee every 20 minutes! On day 6 I finally go used to it and got some sleep. The day I was to have the stent removed my anxiety level was through the roof. I had no idea what to expect and I expected the worse. I took 7.5 mg Norco one hour before. Nurse called me back said drop your pants just to your ankles, grabbed the string, I looked up toward God took a deep breath and it was over in about 3 seconds. Not really a pain more of a weird sensation. It’s the biggest relief to get it out. Walking out I laughed at myself for getting so worked up over having it removed. I felt great for about an hour then came the pain again(pain level 6). It felt like the stone pain all over again. It stopped about and hour later. Then around 6 that night it came back again (pain level 9). It lasted about hour. I finally slept all the way through the night. I’m now writing this on the day after my stent removal. I’ve had pain 2 different times today (pain level 6). Not sure if it’s coincidence or not but it always seems to be 30 minutes after I eat. Has anyone else had this experience? I’m to the point I’m scared to eat anything. I tried to look up best foods to eat but the internet is all over the place on what is high and low oxalate. This whole experience is very traumatic. I really feel bad for all the people who have dealt with stones for years. I thank you for sharing your experience, it does help to know your not alone! I pray for better procedures and more studies on what you can do to stop this thing from forming in the first place. Good luck everyone, try to stay positive!
Thanks for sharing Brian. I just had surgery to remove a 5mm stone that I had for two months because I couldn’t pass it. The nausea was the worst. And, after the surgery peeing was a whole new adventure in pain. But, the removal of the stent was probably the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. I felt like he was torturing me. There was no string, instead he went in with no anesthesia except for lidocaine which did nothing, and he removed the stent in his office 4 days after the operation. I’m scared to get an erection, because when I do the pain comes back. I’m just praying that it gets better over time. I just wish he would have told me what to expect. Not sure if I’m going back to see him again.
Next time inform,,,,I hope there is NO next time thegrr spell check nit helping,, anesthesiologist about the nauseousness. They now place something behind my ear. Problem solved.
I have a stent in at the moment hoping it will be getting removed on Wednesday.
The Dr wanted to pull it out while I am awake, Not a chance I am having a general to get it removed.why should be suffer. After all that what the private insurance is for.
While I respect your choice, you can get it out without going under. It is fast and is a 2/10 in terms of discomfort. I was scared and had it done yesterday. Not fun but also not terrible. A little tweak, weird feeling and it’s over. Not worth going under. I told doc I was dreading it, and he said it is not what you are thinking. It is a little flexible tube, that’s all.
I had my stent removed yesterday, I was nervous based on others reviews. I took 2 Percocet one hour prior to the appointment. The nurse numbed the area and left it for about 10 minutes. The doctor came in and went over the procedure with me. I did not have a string so they go through the urethra with a small camera with clasp to grab the stent. The doctor clamped the stent and then started to remove, no pain up to this point. She told me when I would feel pain. It was torwards to end of the removal. It was brief and uncomfortable. On a scale of 1-10 it hurt a 5. After the procedure she gave me a shot of toradol in my ass. That may have hurt more than the removal of the stent. They did not require me to pee after procedure and I didn’t until 3 hours later. No burning at all. I was given antibiotics and a pill incase it burned. I’m very glad the stent is out. Easy procedure just don’t tense up, stay relaxed and take meds before you go. Good luck.
Thank you for sharing. Mines coming out in a couple of days and I’m terrified!!This whole process has been so painful and I’m ready for it to be over!
Thank you so much cause after a month with this stent in and in so much pain and discomfort tomorrow it will be removed.I was actually worried about going through more pain but I think im going to take 2 of my pain killers also just in case.. I had the worst experience with this stent and wouldn’t wish this not even on my worst enemy ?
I had a cystoscopy for my Dj stent removal last month, even it was done on local anesthesia still the pain was unbearable….
if u dont mind lying down (a bit uncomfortable) after the operation til the next morning, then i suggest asking the doc to put a catheter attached to the stent…the next morning a nurse will just come and pull both out at the same time…just hold ur breath for 3 secs tops and feel a sting and it’s out….(and if u have never pissed via a catheter..it’s quite strangely a good feeling lol)
I have my 2nd stent in currently, removal is tomorrow. I can’t wait, the dr were going to apply a string so, I could pull it out myself. They decided against that. I’m only 4’5″ tall and I’m not a fan of stents. The burning sensation I feel with each bathroom break is awful. I will not ever agree to another stent. The
discomfort I feel isn’t worth it. I have to sit a certain way, lay in a certain position as I feel the stent if I don’t.In the 90’s drs would just blast the stone & let it pass, I feel this method is less painful. Passing the stone is painful but, the discomfort doesn’t last for days on end. I’ve been on antibiotics since stent was placed.
Your very lucky you had little to no pain while the stent was in place. No one enjoys stents or stones.
I had my stent removed on 6/6/17 it was in for 5 days. My stent was removed using the cystoscopy method & lodiciane. I had mild kidney pain through the day/night. On 6/7 I’m feeling the “pinching”you feel once the stent is being removed. I’ve tried taking NSAID to help that’s not working. This pain is shooting & causing my entire “private areas” to hurt once the “pinching” feeling starts. Has anyone else experienced this? If so when should I worry or will it stop? The kidney pain is barley there, both pains are like a Fathom pains … there’s no way to know when it’s going to start. The pinching type pain that is shooting down, has caused me to stop what I’m doing & go find a sitting/laying position that doesn’t hurt. My groin area starts to hurt if the pinching feeling doesn’t go away quickly. I didn’t have entercourse ,while the stent was in or since it was removed. I certainly hope this eases up by Wednesday 6/8! Please, share stories or advice on if this is something I should be concerned with.
I have mine removed tomorrow and I am terrified. I had a string last time, this time no string. And Everytime I pee my left side (side with stent) cramps and hurts so very bad. Dr only gave me 14 pain pills after surgery and I came home with stent and catheter the Cath is out but the stent will be removed in the Dr office tomorrow June 9th since I’m out of pain meds, any suggestions?
When stent was removed did you bleed any the first day?
Hi brothers and sisters
Just to update you. since my last message I sent you above 3 days ago. during these 3 days with my stent in, it was not that bad. I wasdrinking 4 liters a day of water. It helped alot. My only problem was that I had hemorroids 3 days before surgery and that was uncomfortable especially when I need to go to pee. Urinating is the major discomfort I had.
But I learned a trick. When you urinate do not stand VERTICAL, try to lean towards the wall forward by 40-50 degrees while keeping a straight postutre.
It might have kept the extrimity in the bladder free and not touching against your bladder membrane.
Tomorrow is my day to remove the stent. I hope to update you tomorrow.
before I go. Anybody has a fast remedy for hemorroids, because all the gels that are over the counter are messy and sometimes make things worse.
Thanks
Al
I’m scared I havta go n have my stents pulled out 6 day after surgery is really that bad
I have had my stent put in 2 days ago after unexpected severe pain in my right kidney while I was at work.
Anyway, after 8 hours of severe pain and vomiting, the 5 mm stone was dicovered lodged near the bladder. my surgey was performed the next day at 10 am. I was awake after an hour and half.
the next day they removed the tube from my urethra and sent home. Today is my second day, I have some kind of pain and discomfort when I urinate becaue the Stent irritates the bladder at the end of urination.
I am scheduled to remove my stent after 5 days. Hopefully everything returns to normal.
My question is how long it takes after removing the stent to go back to normal?
I wish you ALL the best of luck and speedy recovery…..
Al
Was very worried about having stent removed after 2 weeks but was made to feel comfortable by the staff.from me laying down on the bed to getting up again was 7 minutes little bit of discomfort but no pain.I am now back to normal after having kidney infection and 10 mm stone blasted.
Thank you for the site and allow everyone to chip in with their experience.
Today, I had the stent removed this afternoon at Dr. office (surgery was last Thursday). A nurse introduced an urethra catheter right after the surgery which pulled the stent’s strings into the bladder accidentally. Either way, today I had both the catheter and stent removed through cystoscopy at the office.
Anxiety level: 100/10 — I was a nerve wreck…
Sedation: only gel…
Pain Level: “0” – yes, zero ! — I did not notice when he started pulling, nor when he finished (10 sec later I guess).
Uncomfor level: 2/10 — when instrument passed through the prostate. I guess, that having the catheter for 4 days helped not only to openly clear out urine after surgery but also open up the urethra for the cystoscopy instrument which is much smaller in size.
Every case is different, but I do strongly recommend you to request for a catheter insert right after surgery (while in sedation) if the doctor is ok with it. I also took 2 “Hydrocone” (prescribe by Dr for pain relief, and “Rapaflo” 1 day in advance to help reduce both prostate inflammation and ease the urine flow after the stent and catheter were removed.
Good luck to everyone.
When you had your stent removed did you bleed any the first day?
I just removed my stint that I had in for 5 days. I expected it to be far worse. My pain killer prescription said to take 1-2 pills every 4 hours. So I had taken just 1 at a time for the first 5 days. On the fifth morning I got up and took two pills and drank a quart of water. 45 minutes later I got in the shower. After my back was relaxed from the hot water I began to urinate and started pulling the string out while urinating. With a light consistent movement it slide out easily. It was a piece of cake. No pain at all. I had dreaded it for nothing. I think the combination of relaxation, lubrication, and pain killers worked perfect. Hope this helps others.
Thanks for your comment. I was so anxious and nervous reading all the comments and about having to remove it myself. I did exactly what you said and surprisingly it was a easier than I was expecting. No pain at all, just a mild discomfort.
had a 1cm stone removed via lithoscopy and thereafter a stent insertion which remained in place for 3 weeks. the stone pains were 10/10, the stent pains and associated discomfort were 5/10 while the stent removal procedure were just 1/10. however during the duration of the stent in my ureter I was always low on energy, had frequent loose motions and my physical activity levels were down 90%. today is my second day after the stent has been removed and my tummy has gone berserk again and the very low energy levels continue. the doc says give it atleast a week. my only suggestion to all people having stents is to drink lots of water 3 to 4 litres atleast , the subsequent peeing will reduce discomfort to a great extent.
jacksdaughter3@gmail.com
I had my stent removed today after 5 1/2 weeks. I was fine at first but a while after getting home from hospital I started experiencing severe Pain. It lasted at least an hour and since then has been recurring and lasting at least 20 minutes. I was not told there could be pain after and was not given any pain killers. The pain is making me nauseous as well. It is close to being as bad as when I had the kidney stone. Not happy about this at all. How long will it continue?