Comparison of Stented and Unstented Patients Following Ureteroscopy for Ureter Stones

Noh, Jae Hun; Kim, Dae Kyung; Jeong, Hyeon

Abstract

PURPOSE
The placement of a ureteral stent following a ureteroscopy (URS) with a stone extraction is routine. However, many patients complain of stent pain and urinary symptoms in the postoperative period. Reducing the frequency of stenting would decrease the need for re-instrumentation, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction provided that the efficacy and safety are not compromised. In order to evaluate the necessity of stenting, a comparison of patients with and without stenting after URS for ureteral calculi is reported.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
45 patients with ureteral calculi amenable to ureteroscopic management were prospectively randomized into stented (23 patients) and unstented (22 patients) groups. Standard ureteroscopic basketing and lithotripsy were performed with a ureteroscope (8.5Fr) with or without ureteral dilatation. Postoperative symptom questionnaires were obtained from each patient. Radiographic follow-up to assess the stone-free rate and evidence of obstruction was performed in all patients.
RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in the age, stone size, operation time, and hospital stay, between the unstented and stented groups (p>0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the flank pain and urinary symptoms (p>0.05), except for hematuria between the 2 groups. Hematuria was more severe and long standing in the stent group (p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Uncomplicated ureteroscopy for calculus retrieval can safely be performed without the placement of a postoperative stent. Considering its complications and side effects, we do not believe that a routine placement of a ureteral stent following an uncomplicated ureteroscopy for a stone is necessary.