Optimal Stent Duration After Ureteroscopy

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Sep 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether removing a ureteral stent sooner (3–5 days after ureteroscopy) is as safe and might cause fewer urinary symptoms than removing it later (7–9 days). Participants are adults having one-side (unilateral) stone treatment with uncomplicated ureteroscopy. They are randomly assigned to the shorter or longer stent duration and then complete questionnaires to track urinary symptoms, pain, and overall quality of life, with additional checks for any complications within 30 days. Researchers use these patient reports to see if earlier stent removal helps patients feel better without increasing risk.

To be eligible, people should be 18 or older and undergoing unilateral stone treatment with an uncomplicated ureteroscopy, using semi-rigid or flexible instruments. Key exclusions include pregnancy, having a stent or nephrostomy before surgery, more complex procedures, active infection or frequent UTIs, no visible stones, kidney transplant, or unusual kidney anatomy. The trial involves many centers in the United States and Canada and is currently enrolling by invitation, with results expected after completion in 2025.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • Participants undergoing unilateral stone treatment. Patients may have stones present bilaterally, but must only be having unilateral intervention.
• • The ureteroscopy must be uncomplicated
• • Patients undergoing semi-rigid ureteroscopy only, flexible ureteroscopy only, or a combination
• • Exclusion Criteria
• • Pregnancy
• • A stent or nephrostomy tube placed prior to surgery
• • Complex ureteroscopy - ureteral injury, ureteral perforation, ureteral stricture, impacted stone
• • Infection or struvite stones
• • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): 2 culture proven UTI in 6 months or 3 culture proven UTIs in one year
• • No stone evident on ureteroscopic evaluation of ureter or kidney
• • Transplant kidney
• • Variant anatomy (horseshoe, pelvic kidney)