Ureteral Stent Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for ureteral stent: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Hydration is Key
- •Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
- •Adequate hydration prevents clots, flushes the system, and promotes healing
- •Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks initially
Ureteral Stent recovery, day by day
Immediate Care
- A catheter may be in place; keep the drainage bag below bladder level
- Blood-tinged urine is normal for several days after urological procedures
- Rest for the remainder of the day
- Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses of water daily) to flush the urinary system
Activity
- No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid straining during bowel movements (use stool softener if needed)
- No driving while on prescription pain medication
- Short walks are encouraged to prevent blood clots
Urinary Symptoms
- Some burning with urination is normal and should improve daily
- Keep catheter site clean; wash around it daily with soap and water
- Drink enough to keep urine pale yellow
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol (bladder irritants) for 1-2 weeks
Wound / Site Care
- Keep any incision sites clean and dry
- Shower is usually OK after 24-48 hours; no baths or submerging for 2 weeks
- Some mild swelling at the site is expected
Recovery & Follow-Up
- Continue to drink plenty of water
- Gradually resume normal activities
- Attend follow-up appointment
- Catheter removal is usually at your follow-up appointment
When to call your provider or 911
- •Inability to urinate for more than 8 hours
- •Heavy bleeding (bright red urine with clots)
- •Fever above 101.5°F
- •Severe pain not controlled by medication
- •Cloudy, foul-smelling urine (possible UTI)
- •Catheter falls out or stops draining
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Urinary symptoms improve
Burning and frequency should be lessening
- Day 14
Follow-up appointment
Post-procedure evaluation
- Day 7
Symptom resolution
Urinary function returning to baseline
- Day 14
Expected recovery
Complete healing and normal function
For clinics
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