Optimal stenting duration following ureteroscopy and nephrolithotomy: systematic review and meta-analysis

The optimal duration for ureteral stent placement following ureteroscopy remains unclear, with no consensus on its impact on patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the ideal stent duration by comparing post-procedure-related events (PREs) and complications.

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified studies comparing different durations of ureteral stenting after ureteroscopy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PREs, while secondary outcomes focused on associated complications.

Four studies were included, encompassing 1762 patients with stents removed with ≤ 5 days and 2231 patients with stents removed with ≥ 6 days. The incidence of PREs did not significantly differ between the two groups (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.22-7.25; p = 0.79; I² = 98%). Patients with stent durations ≥ 6 days had higher rates of flank pain and hematuria. In contrast, fever and dysuria were more prevalent in patients with stents removed within 5 days.

Although no significant difference was observed in overall PRE rates, the distinct patterns of complications based on stent duration highlight the complexity of determining optimal stent placement time in clinical practice.