Ureteric stenting after ureteroscopy for removal of distal ureteric stones

To compare patients with stenting and with no stenting after ureteroscopy for distal uretenic calculi. From May 2004 to May 2005, 32 patients complaining of comparable sized small ureteric calculi underwent uncomplicated ureteroscopic retrieval. They were divided into 2 groups, 16 patients in each group [a stented and non stented group]. Average maximum stone diameter was 10 mm. All patients were observed during their hospital stay for occurrence of postoperative hematuria, flank pain, fever or burning micturation. The incidence of hematunia was 12.5% in non stented cases and was 25% in stented cases; the incidence of flank pain was 50% in non stented cases while it was 75% in stented cases. Burning micturation was 50% in non stented cases while it was 100% in stented cases, fever was not encountered in non stented cases but it was encountered in 12.5% of stented cases. The hospital stay in the non stented group ranged from 12-36 hours while it was 24 - 72 hours in the stented group. Uncomplicated ureteroscopy for removing calculi is safe with no stent after treatment. After considering complications and side effects, I think that routine use of ureteric stents after uncomplicated ureteroscopy for stone extraction is unnecessary