Kidney stents..I have heard every description for removal from uncomfortable to excruciating. They put me to sleep for it to go in (yesterday)and they will put me back to sleep in 2 weeks to take it out. The first urologist I went to said they remove only them in the office. I got an appt with another urologist at a large medical group and they had no problems with my request. Talk to your doctors about all procedures for insertion and removal. If you don't get satisfactory answers find another doctor. Do this at the first diagnosis of a stone. Some can be passed and others can't. Be prepared and proactive in your treatment. Ask questions!