Routine ureteral stenting is not necessary after ureteroscopy and ureteropyeloscopy: a randomized trial

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.

Fifty-five consecutive patients (60 renal units) were randomized into either a stent or a no-stent group following ureteroscopy with either a 7.5F semirigid or a 7.5F flexible ureteroscope for treatment of calculi (holmium laser or pneumatic lithotripsy) or transitional-cell carcinoma (holmium laser). Intraoperative variables assessed included total stone burden, the need for ureteral dilation, and overall operative times. All patients were evaluated by questionnaire on postoperative days 0, 1, and 6 with regard to pain, frequency, urgency, dysuria, and hematuria.

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.

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.