Service
Double J stent (ureteric stent)
A double J stent is a thin, flexible tube placed in the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Both of its ends are curled into the shape of the letter J: one stays in the kidney and the other in the bladder, so the stent does not move. It keeps the ureter open so that urine can drain. In medical terms it is also called a ureteric stent or a double J catheter.
When is a stent needed?
A double J stent is needed when the ureter cannot stay open on its own. The most common reasons are a stone that gets stuck in the ureter or is passing out of it, swelling after a procedure on the ureter or kidney, a narrowing of the ureter, and pressure from outside, for example from a tumour. It is sometimes also placed before an operation, to protect the ureter and make it easier to find. Whether you need a stent, and for how long, is decided by the urologist based on the findings and imaging.
Pain in the flank with fever and chills is a sign that urine is not draining and an infection has already developed. This cannot wait for an appointment: go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
→ Urology: examination and diagnostics
How is it placed?
The stent is placed without an incision, through the urethra. The urologist passes a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, through the urethra, finds the opening of the ureter in the bladder and pushes the stent up towards the kidney over a thin guide wire. Its position is checked with imaging, ultrasound or X-ray. The procedure is done under anaesthesia that the doctor chooses according to you and your condition, and you go home after a short period of observation.
How do you prepare?
Before the stent is placed, the urologist asks for imaging, an ultrasound or CT scan, and a urine test. Tell the doctor which medicines you take, especially blood thinners, whether you are allergic to any medicines, and whether you have signs of a urinary infection, such as burning when you urinate or a raised temperature, because an infection can change the plan for the procedure.
How long does the stent stay in?
The stent is temporary. It stays in until the ureter has healed or the cause of the blockage has been removed, most often from a few weeks to a few months. It must not be left in without monitoring, because salts build up on it over time, so it can become blocked and cause an infection. That is why the date for removal or replacement is agreed when the stent is placed. The stent is removed in a short procedure, through the urethra with a cystoscope, without an incision.
What do you feel while the stent is in?
Many people feel a more frequent urge to urinate, burning or pressure in the bladder, and pain in the flank while urinating, because some urine flows back towards the kidney when you urinate. Your urine may be pink or reddish, especially after exertion. This is expected and usually stops once the stent is removed. Most men and women can work and move about normally; heavy physical exertion can make the symptoms worse. The doctor tells you when you go home what you can take for the discomfort.
When is the procedure not suitable?
A stent is not placed until the cause of the blockage is known, so an ultrasound or other imaging comes first. Blocked urine flow with fever and feeling generally unwell needs hospital treatment, not a scheduled appointment. With an active urinary tract infection without a blockage, the infection is treated first. If you take blood thinners or have a clotting disorder, this is discussed before the procedure.
General reasons for postponing a procedure (inflammation, a clotting disorder, smoking): When is a procedure postponed?
Recovery
After the stent is placed, you go home the same day. While the stent is in, the symptoms described above can come and go, and they get worse with exertion and too little fluid. Get in touch before the agreed follow-up visit if you develop a fever or chills, severe flank pain that does not ease, if you cannot urinate or if there are clots in your urine. This is also explained to you when you go home, verbally and in writing.
Risks
Expected — more frequent urination, burning and pressure in the bladder, flank pain when urinating, pink urine while the stent is in.
Occasional — urinary tract infection, the stent moving out of place, the stent becoming blocked, the need to replace or remove it earlier.
Expected, and rare but serious → Risks and complications: what is the course of healing, and what is a complication?
Price
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Double J stent insertion | on request |
The price of a double J stent is set at the examination, depending on what is needed.
Specialist and team
Specialty: urology — examinations, diagnostics and procedures.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
What happens at the examination?
A urological examination has two parts: a conversation about your symptoms, past illnesses and medicines, and a clinical examination. Depending on the findings, an ultrasound is done straight away, in the same visit, if needed. You receive the findings at the examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does placing the stent hurt? The procedure is done under anaesthesia, so most people feel no pain while the stent is being placed. While the stent is in, many feel pressure or burning, especially when urinating.
Why should the stent not stay in too long? Salts build up on it over time and it can become blocked, which leads to an infection or blocked urine flow. That is why the deadline for removal or replacement is agreed when the stent is placed, and kept to.
Is it normal for my urine to be pink? Yes, while the stent is in this is expected, especially after exertion. If your urine turns dark red with clots, if you cannot urinate or if you develop a fever, get in touch straight away.
Can I work and drive? Most people can. Heavy physical exertion can increase pain and blood in the urine, so you may need to hold off on it.
Can I have sex and do sport? Most people can, but sex and exertion can make the burning and flank pain worse. When to resume is agreed when the stent is placed.
Is the stent a permanent solution? No. It is used until the cause has been dealt with: once the stone has been removed or the ureter has healed, the stent is taken out, and further treatment is decided by the urologist.
Is it normal to feel uncomfortable coming in? Yes. At the examination nothing is commented on and nothing is compared, and together we decide whether a stent is needed.
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.