Lithotripsy with Stent Procedure

I have a Lithotripsy with stent procedure scheduled.  Background is I have a 16 mm stone in my upper right kidney.  The Urologist wants to bust it up with lithotripsy and insert the stent in my kidney at the same time for easier passage of the crushed stone particles.  The thinks the size of the stone and its fragments without the stent may give problems passing through the kidney, ureter and out the penis.  I have had a lithotripsy before (3-years ago) without the Stent.  It was a breeze with no pain, complications.  This time however he wants to include the stent in the procedure.  So, has anyone recently had a lithotripsy with stent and what were your results concerning success, pain, complications and so forth primarily dealing with the stent.  How long did you keep the stent in?  I am a little concerned about the stent but my urologist tells me its no problem.  He said he would want the stent and I would probably have more problems, pain, discomfort without it but if I want to go without it he would.  Any advice is appreciated.

[Dr Santos]

HI,
How are you? The stent is a sterile hollow flexible tube that allows the kidney to drain around the pieces of stone. Indication is based on  stone size, location and other symptoms such as pain or infection. The stent needs to stay in until the majority of the stone fragments have been passed, which can be approximately one to two weeks. It is best that you talk to your doctor about this for proper evaluation and to erase any doubt. Take care and do keep us posted.