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Stent Removal

Stent removal requires a cystoscopy and is a very minor and safe procedure. The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra (water-pipe), into the bladder where the lower end of the stent is grasped with forceps and removed. It can be performed with local anaesthetic only although many patients prefer to have with as a day case under sedation.

Uncommonly, stents may be inserted with a string attached to the stent. This string is left hanging out of the body through the urethra into the underwear. Removal of the stent in this circumstance simply entails pulling on the string. However, many patients find the string uncomfortable and this is why it is rarely utilized.