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How long can the stent be left in before it’s replaced or removed?

Stone Fighter #761060Aug 14, 2026👁️ 2.6k❤️ 149

Strategy: Patient journey

On the 4th April I had a double J urethra stent as I have a 14mm kidney/renal pelvis stone and they couldn’t remove the stone because I ended up having a severe infection (pyelonephritis) and swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis).

I was told the hospital would call me in to have the stone removed (laser I think?), but I’m a bit worried that they (NHS) may have forgotten about me…..

Also, will they remove the stone and then remove the stent after that?

Comments (3)

Stone Fighter #267B42May 6, 2026

They can be left in for 12 weeks or even more at a push, you are absolutely fine. They will almost certainly remove the stent, laser the stone then put in a new stent typically for a few days,

Stone Fighter #17A9FEMay 6, 2026

they can be left in for 3-6 months before needing to be replaced/removed so you're good. you will likely have a new stent placed after your stone removal.

Stone Fighter #97CA31May 6, 2026

Appreciate the reply, Thankyou.

Stone Fighter #97CA31May 6, 2026

Appreciate the reply, Thankyou.

Stone Fighter #B1A014May 6, 2026

Stents typically stay in for 4-6 weeks, but NHS wait times can stretch that out, so your worry isn't unfounded. The standard protocol is they remove the stone first (laser sounds right for that size), then pull the stent a few weeks later once swelling goes down and you're infection-free. Call your urology department directly and ask for a status update -- don't wait for them to call you, because , they might have just deprioritized it after the infection cleared.

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