From the Guidelines
It is unlikely that biking or other physical activities would dislodge a properly placed ureteric stent. Ureteric stents are designed to stay in place during normal daily activities, including moderate exercise like biking. The stent is secured at both ends - one in the kidney and one in the bladder - with curl designs (often called "pigtails" or "J-curls") that help anchor it in position. However, if you have a stent in place, it's advisable to avoid extremely vigorous or high-impact activities, especially in the first few days after placement.
If you're concerned about biking with a stent, consult your urologist for personalized advice based on your specific situation. They might recommend modifying your biking intensity or position to minimize discomfort. Some patients experience increased urinary symptoms or discomfort during exercise with a stent, which is normal but should be monitored. If you notice severe pain, blood in urine, fever, or if the stent appears to be protruding from the urethra, seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate stent displacement or other complications. According to the most recent guidelines, such as those from the American Urological Association 1, ureteral stenting is a common practice for managing ureteral calculi, and while there are potential complications, a properly placed stent should not be dislodged by normal physical activities.
Key considerations for patients with a ureteric stent include:
- Avoiding high-impact activities
- Monitoring for signs of stent displacement or other complications
- Following personalized advice from a urologist
- Being aware of the potential for increased urinary symptoms or discomfort during exercise. The use of ureteral stents is recommended after all surgical repairs to reduce failures (leaks) and strictures 1, and retrograde ureteral stenting may be considered in cases of urinary tract obstruction 1.
From the Research
Ureteric Stent Dislodgement due to Physical Activity
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that moving a lot, such as biking, can dislodge a ureteric stent.
- The studies primarily focus on the management of ureteral stent discomfort and the effects of various medications on stent-related symptoms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is essential to note that physical activity may exacerbate stent-related discomfort, but the likelihood of dislodging the stent due to physical activity is not explicitly addressed in the provided research.
Stent-Related Discomfort and Physical Activity
- Studies have investigated the use of alpha-blockers, antimuscarinics, and other medications to alleviate stent-related discomfort 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- While these studies provide valuable insights into managing stent-related symptoms, they do not directly address the impact of physical activity on ureteric stent dislodgement.
- Patients with ureteric stents should consult their healthcare provider for guidance on physical activity and potential risks associated with stent dislodgement.
Medications for Stent-Related Discomfort
- Alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin, have been shown to reduce stent-related discomfort and improve quality of life for patients with ureteric stents 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Antimuscarinics, like solifenacin, may also be effective in reducing stent-related symptoms, although the evidence is less consistent 2, 5.
- The use of these medications may help alleviate discomfort associated with physical activity, but their effectiveness in preventing stent dislodgement is unknown.