Choosing the ideal length of a double-pigtail ureteral stent according to body height: study based on a Chinese population.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted this study to determine the ideal stent length according to body height, as data are limited.


METHODS
A total of 408 patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy and stent insertion (22, 24 or 26 cm) were enrolled. The appropriateness of the stent length was determined according to the plain films and was further compared among patients with different body heights and stent lengths.


RESULTS
In patients <160 cm, the use of a 22-cm stent was significantly more appropriate than a 24- or 26-cm stent (86.5, 51.9 and 46.4%). In patients between 160 and 175 cm, a 22- or 24-cm stent was significantly more appropriate than a 26-cm stent (79.2, 66.7 and 46.3%), while the difference between the use of a 22- and 24-cm stent was not significant. In patients >175 cm, a 24- or 26-cm stent might be more appropriate.


CONCLUSIONS
Body heights can predict the ideal stent length. Based on a Chinese population, a 22-cm stent length is more appropriate for those <175 cm. A longer, 24- or 26-cm stent may be suitable for those >175 cm.
Ho
Chen-Hsun
CH
Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
Kuo-How
KH
Chen
Shyh-Chyan
SC
Pu
Yeong-Shiau
YS
Liu
Shih-Ping
SP
Yu
Hong-Jeng
HJ
D044466:Asian People; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D014513:Ureter; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000628:therapy; D018666:Ureteroscopy