Indications of stented uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy: a prospective randomized controlled study

The purpose of our trial was to evaluate whether stents could be eliminated after uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteral stones and the indications of ureteral stent placement. A total of 228 patients underwent uncomplicated ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy. After the procedures, patients without marked ureteral edema, polypoid change or stent placement were treated as a control group. The other patients were randomized to two groups. Patients were followed on the first postoperative day, 6 and 12 weeks, postoperatively. In stented cases the stent was removed after 1 week. Outcome measures included visual analog scale assessment, postoperative analgesic requirements, complications and the stone-free rate. On the first postoperative day the symptoms of flank pain, dysuria and frequency were significantly greater in the stented group (P < 0.0001). The overall perioperative complication rate, including fever, pyuria, flank and loin pain, was 3.3% (3/90) in group 1, 16.9% (12/71) in group 2, and 41.8% (28/67) in group 3. We believe that in selected patients undergoing ureteroscopy for ureteral stone, stents can be safely omitted. Patients without stents have significantly less stent-related symptoms and are not at higher risk of complications with smooth ureteral mucosa. When there is ureteral edema or polypoid change with pyuria, ureteral stents should be indwelled to avoid severe postoperative complications.