What is a ureteric stent?

A ureteric stent is a specially designed small, hollow tube which is put inside the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder) through the bladder using a telescope passed along the urethra (waterpipe)

It is curled at both ends to keep the upper end fixed inside the kidney, and the lower end in place inside the bladder. 

The reasons of inserting a stent are blockage of the ureter from stones, ureteral stricture (narrowing)  and after surgery or instrumentation into the ureters.

Stent removal can usually be done under local anaesthetic using a flexible telescope.