Retrospective studies have suggested that routine stenting can be avoided following ureteroscopy. We prospectively analyzed the need for routine ureteral
stent placement in patients undergoing ureteroscopic procedures.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: RESULTS: Of the 60 renal units treated, 38 received ureteral
stents (mean 5.2 days), and 22 were treated without a
stent. All 10 patients requiring ureteral balloon dilation had
stents placed and were removed from the analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to age, sex, or stone burden.
Operative time was decreased in the no-
stent group (43 minutes v 55 minutes; P = 0.013). Flank discomfort was significantly less common in the no-
stent group on days 0, 1, and 6 (P = 0.004, P = 0.003, P < 0.001, respectively), as was the incidence of suprapubic
pain on day 6 (P = 0.002). There was no difference in urinary frequency, urgency, or
dysuria between the groups on postoperative day 1, but all these symptoms were significantly reduced in the no-
stent group on day 6 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). There was no significant difference in patient-reported postoperative
hematuria in either group. One patient in each group developed a
urinary tract infection. One patient in the no-
stent group developed
ureteral obstruction in the postoperative period that necessitated stenting, and one patient in the
stent group experienced
stent migration necessitating removal.
CONCLUSIONS: Routine ureteral stenting does not appear to be warranted in those patients who do not require ureteral dilation during ureteroscopic procedures. Ureteral
stent placement following ureteroscopy may be avoided, thereby reducing
operative time, surgical costs, and patient morbidity.