Do we actually need to place a ureteral stent after ureteroscopy (URS)?
Despite strong evidence that they may be unnecessary, the placement of stents still seems to be a common occurrence with no consensus on the optimum indwell time or the method used for stent removal. Proponents of post-URS stenting often quote the anecdote of the memorable patient who, having not been stented, developed pain and/or sepsis requiring an emergency return to theatre for stenting. Others suggest that a stent is akin to a comfort blanket allowing them, if not the patient, to sleep easier after the procedure. European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines1 recommend that "stents be inserted in patients who are at increased risk of complications (e.g. residual fragments, bleeding, perforation, urinary tract infections or pregnancy) and in all doubtful cases, to avoid stressful emergencies." Furthermore, most urologists would be inclined to place a stent after URS in a solitary kidney, in patients with renal impairment and to facilitate future access.
Written by:
Hughes B, Wiseman O, Thompson T, Masood J, Smith R, McIlhenny C, Irving S, Dasgupta R, Bultitude M. Are you the author?
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ.
Reference: BJU Int. 2013 Oct 4. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/bju.12482
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24119102
UroToday.com Endourology Section
