The stent is often used when there is a blockage in the ureter (for example, from a kidney stone) and allows urine to drain around the blockage. This helps decrease the pain associated with the blockage (i.e. kidney stone) and allows your kidney to function as normal as possible.

What is the purpose of a ureteral stent?

A ureteral stent is a thin tube that's placed in your ureter to help drain urine from your kidney (see Figure 1). One end of the tube is inside your kidney and the other end is in your bladder. Ureteral stents can be used for several weeks, months, or years.

Is a ureteral stent necessary?

Conclusion: Routine placement of a ureteral stent is not mandatory in patients without complications after ureteroscopic lithotripsy for impacted ureteral stones. Stent placement can be argued and agreed with the patients preoperatively in the light of the data presented above.