title: [Catheterization after ureteroscopy. Always? never? when?]
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The development of smaller diameter ureteroscopes, along with the advance in surgical techniques has allowed ureteroscopy to be progressively less traumatic. The considerable morbidity produced by a ureteral stent makes it advisable to question routine placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a review of the literature searching for systematic reviews, meta-analysis and prospective randomized clinical trials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three systematic reviews and meta-analysis along with 14 clinical trials were included in our review. Most of the consulted articles show a higher incidence of irritative urinary symptoms, and hypogastric and flank pain in patients carrying a JJ stent. No differences were observed in postoperative complication rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Apparently, there is little benefit in ureteral stenting regarding postoperative complications after uncomplicated ureteroscopy, with a few exceptions. The challenge regarding ureteral stenting after ureteroscopy is to identify the cases that will benefit from it. An interesting alternative, that requires further study, is the placement of a ureteral catheter (internal-external) during the first 24 hours after procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It seems advisable to place a JJ stent in complicated cases or in those considered to have a higher risk of postoperative complications. In the rest of cases it seems that stenting after ureteroscopy involves more problems tan benefits.
authors.affiliation: Fundació Puigvert. Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona. Barcelona. España.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schwartzmann
authors.affiliation: Fundació Puigvert. Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona. Barcelona. España.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gaya
authors.affiliation: Fundació Puigvert. Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona. Barcelona. España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Breda
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards; D018666:Ureteroscopy; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000592:standards