Comparison of Stented and Unstented Patients Following Ureteroscopy for Ureter Stones.
- Author:
Jae Hun NOH
1
;
Dae Kyung KIM
;
Hyeon JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. drjh@emc.eulji.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Ureter;
Calculi;
Ureteroscopy;
Stent
- MeSH:
Calculi;
Dilatation;
Flank Pain;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hematuria;
Humans;
Length of Stay;
Lithotripsy;
Patient Satisfaction;
Postoperative Period;
Prospective Studies;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Stents*;
Ureter*;
Ureteral Calculi;
Ureteroscopes;
Ureteroscopy*
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2002;43(1):28-31
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
