Kamlesh Bhai Kamlesh Bhai Asked 6 months ago

Can you refuse a stent after kidney stone surgery?

I just had kidney stone surgery, and the doctor put a stent in, which is causing a lot of discomfort. I'm supposed to keep it for a few weeks. Can I refuse a stent after kidney stone surgery, or ask for it to be removed earlier if I can't tolerate it?

6

6 answers

Kiran Bala Kiran Bala Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago
Most liked

I know how uncomfortable that plastic stent feels, and I also tried drinking barley water and coconut water hoping to avoid it. But the stent is absolutely necessary to keep the ureter from swelling shut after the stone is blasted. Skipping it can lead to terrible back pain and kidney infections, so please listen to your doctor.

Rakesh Sharma Rakesh Sharma Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

Please do not make the mistake of refusing the stent. I once ignored my doctor's advice after a minor procedure because I was scared of the discomfort, and my kidney ended up swelling, which required emergency hospitalization. It is better to bear the temporary irritation of the stent than to face severe complications.

Sneha Roy Sneha Roy Joined May 2026 5 months ago

It is completely valid to feel frustrated and scared about having a foreign object left inside your body; the constant discomfort can really drain you emotionally. I cried so much before my stent removal because I was just tired of the burning feeling. But please remember it is temporary and it is protecting your kidney from failing.

Powered by

Consult a aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon

Sujata Deshmukh Sujata Deshmukh Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My son had to have a stent placed after his kidney stone laser surgery last year. The urologist explained that without the stent, the tiny stone fragments can get stuck and block urine flow, which causes intense pain. As a parent, I recommend following the doctor's plan; it is only there for a week or two to keep them safe.

Meera Joshi Meera Joshi Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I panicked completely when my doctor said they would leave a stent inside me, and I spent hours reading horror stories online. Honestly, while peeing felt a bit weird and burning for a couple of days, it was completely manageable and nothing like the nightmare I imagined. It comes out very easily, so don't worry too much.

Related reads

All articles
Aditya Verma Aditya Verma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

The stent is definitely not the most comfortable thing in the world, but it is a total lifesaver for your kidneys! It keeps everything flowing smoothly so you can heal up fast. Just drink lots of water to ease the burning, and you will be back to normal in no time!

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.