Forget Forgotten Stents: Review of Ureteral Stent Tracking Systems
Suprita Krishna1, Alejandro Abello1, Peter Steinberg1
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Urology Practice
|May 5, 2023
Summary
Implementing ureteral stent tracking systems significantly reduces retained and forgotten stents after urological surgery. These systems improve patient safety by ensuring timely stent removal.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Tracking
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Ureteral stents are commonly used in urological surgery.
- Retained or forgotten ureteral stents can lead to complications.
- Effective tracking systems are needed to prevent adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current ureteral stent tracking systems.
- To determine the impact of tracking systems on retained stent rates.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted.
- Search terms included variations of ureteral stents and tracking.
- Relevant articles were selected and reviewed.
Main Results:
- Nine studies on forgotten ureteral stents were identified.
- Tracking mechanisms varied, including digital applications and EMR algorithms.
- Stent retention rates decreased from 0%-13% to 1% or less with tracking systems.
Conclusions:
- Ureteral stent tracking systems effectively reduce delayed removal and retained stents.
- Current systems are institution-specific, highlighting the need for a universal solution.
- Further investigation and industry investment in universal tracking solutions are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
93
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
93
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
10
The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...
10
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
11
Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
11
01:28Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
27
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
27
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
14
AssessmentSubjective Data: Obtain a detailed health history, including any recent or chronic urinary tract infections, periods of immobilization, previous episodes of renal calculi, and medical conditions such as gout, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hyperparathyroidism. Review the medication history for drugs that may influence stone formation, including allopurinol, analgesics, loop diuretics, or thiazide diuretics. Document the use of long-term indwelling catheters and any past surgical...
14
01:22Ureters
603
The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...
603