Is a kidney stent left in the body permanently?

Ureteric stents are not left in the body permanently like coronary stents. According to the Bristol Urological Institute, most patients will only need ureteric stents for a few weeks to a few months. The stent is removed once the obstruction is relieved.

If long-term use is needed, ureteric stents should be changed every six months, according to the Ohio State University department of urology. Ureteric stents are made of a soft, plastic material and connect the kidney to the bladder through the ureter. Most stents can be removed during an office visit with the use of topical anesthesia, and the procedure only takes about one minute.