Removal of Imbedded Stent

[musiclady]

I had a kidney transplant, almost five years ago, from a living donor (a friend).  About six weeks after the operation, the stent used to create the new bladder opening was removed, or at least some part of a stent was removed because I actually saw a piece, about an inch long, that resembled part of a drinking straw.  After several urinary tract infections, and some mild pain, an ultrasound was done last week showing that a stent was left inside me, now quite well imbedded, also causing this latest and more serious infection.  The stent will now have to be removed.  How serious is this?  What should I expect to have happen.  My friend died about two years ago after knee peplacement, when he developed an infection from the catheter that no one at the hospital or in rehab noticed in time.  What can I do to avoid having that kind of systemic infection from happening to me?  Are there alternative ways to remove an embedded stent.  What should I agree to for treatment in this regard?
Thank you SO much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not a urologist, so my insight into this question is limited.

With all procedures, there is always a chance for bleeding and infection.  You can research your hospital's infection rate, as well as obtain quality reports on your urologist.  This can be considered since experience of the urologist also correlates to procedure complications.

If there is concern about the treatment course, I would not hesitate in obtaining another opinion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b