Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a ureteric stent?
A ureteric stent is a thin flexible tube sits in your waterpipe and drains urine from the kidney into the bladder. Sometimes it has strings attached to the end which you will be able to see coming out from your pee hole.
If you were discharged wih a stent in place, you may be scheduled for:
- A stent change (usually every 3–6 months depending on the material and reason).
- A definitive procedure to relieve the underlying obstruction.
- Imaging (e.g., ultrasound or CT) to assess kidney function or stent position.
- Stents are not permanent, you will require either removal or exchange in the future. Your clinician will inform you of the timeframe for this. If you do not hear from our department within that timeframe, please contact us.
You may have been given a stent on a string, your clinician will inform you of the day required to remove this. You will be called by a member of the stone team to make sure that the stent has been removed.
Stent symptoms
Common issues include urinary frequency, urgency, burning during urination, flank or bladder pain, and sometimes blood in the urine. Some people also experience discomfort during physical activity or while urinating.
To manage these symptoms, medications like alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) can help relax the bladder and ureter muscles, reducing pain and urinary urgency. Anticholinergic (e.g. solifenacin) medications may also be prescribed to control bladder spasms.
Please contact your GP or our team if you are finding that these symptoms are causing issues.
Who to contact
After reading this information, if you have any concerns, please contact:
Frimley park hospital
- surgical helpline 07990528061 for advice between 7am-8pm Monday-Sunday.
Wexham Park hospital surgical helpline:
- Males: 03006154570
- Females: 03006159062 / 03006159063 for advice between 8am-9pm Monday-Sunday.
If you are feeling unwell, have pain, fevers, or any concerns please present to your local A&E department.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Urology service.
About this information
Service:
Urology
Reference:
Z/021
Approval date:
22 June 2026
Review date:
1 June 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.