fact or fiction:

Ureteral stents must be removed by a doctor.

False.

A ureteral stent is a plastic, flexible, hollow tube. It helps the kidney drain urine after kidney stone surgery. Stents can be left with or without a string attached. The string is used for stent removal. Your stent is typically removed within the first two weeks after surgery, but the amount of time may vary for each patient. If the stent was left with a string, your doctor will tell you when you can remove it at home. Some people like taking the stent out at home. They feel it is less painful and more convenient. If the stent was left without a string, it will be removed at your doctor’s office.

fact or fiction:

Caregivers will have to take complete care of their loved ones after major surgery.

False.

After major surgery, your doctor may recommend you stay at a short-term rehabilitation center. Most short-term rehab centers offer round-the-clock medical care. This includes physical, speech and occupational therapy. If you return directly home after your hospital stay, your doctor may recommend at-home physical therapy (PT). PT can help you strengthen your muscles and reduce pain. Your physical therapist can help you improve your ability to walk, climb stairs and stand up from a chair or bed. Your PT can also help you learn to get in or out of a car, get dressed and bathe.

fact or fiction:

The Urology Care Foundation is a reliable resource for caregivers to find information about urologic conditions.

True.

The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation. It is the official foundation of the American Urological Association, which has about 24,000 members around the world. The Foundation works with leading doctors in the field to create a wide range of patient education materials with the latest information on urologic conditions. These include fact sheets, patient guides, magazines, podcasts and videos.

UrologyHealth.org  |  SPRING 2022  |  UROLOGYHEALTH extra