The use of stents in contemporary urology.
OBJECTIVE
Ureteral stents are a mainstay of today's urological armamentarium. This review critically evaluates the recent literature and provides a concise summary of the use of stents in urology today. While stents are used in many reconstructive urologic procedures, this review focuses on the use of stents in urolithiasis as it pertains to ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction.


RESULTS
Ureteral stents are associated with irritative symptoms, hematuria, infection, and encrustation. A new validated quality of life and impact questionnaire has been developed and has shown that 76% of patients suffer at least some type of morbidity related to the stent. Many studies in the recent literature have re-examined our use of stents today. For example, concepts regarding stenting following ureteroscopy, before shockwave lithotripsy, and following endopyelotomy have undergone an evolution based on the results of randomized, prospective studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The ureteral stent is an invaluable urological tool and its indications are evolving as are new stent technologies to improve patient care and comfort.
Chew
Ben H
BH
Department of Urology, University of Western Ontario, St Joseph's Health Care, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4V2.
Knudsen
Bodo E
BE
Denstedt
John D
JD
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D011788:Quality of Life; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D018666:Ureteroscopy
D001672:Biocompatible Materials