Ureteral stenting in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Urology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Limited data exists on ureteral stent use in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
• Understanding national trends and predictors of stenting is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine national trends in ureteral stent use for major colorectal operations.
• To identify predictors of ureteral stenting.
• To assess the impact of ureteral stents on perioperative outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the 2005-2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement participant user files.
• Inclusion of patients undergoing laparoscopic segmental colectomy, low anterior resection, or proctectomy.
• Use of logistic regression and propensity matching to identify predictors and assess stent impact.

Main Results:

• 4.2% of 42,311 patients received ureteral stents.
• Predictors included diverticular disease, radical resection, prior radiotherapy, and recent calendar year.
• Stenting correlated with increased operative time and length of stay, but not morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions:

• Clinical predictors for ureteral stent use in colorectal surgery are identified.
• Ureteral stenting increases operative time but not significantly morbidity or mortality.
• Further institutional studies are needed to evaluate stent utility in preventing iatrogenic injury.