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Ureteral Stents

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Ureteroscopy

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

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Abstract

Ureteral stents are commonly used in urology to splint an anastomosis or provide drainage of the upper tract. This chapter discusses current stent materials including coatings and drug-elution, the methods used to improve stent symptoms including choosing the correct stent length and potential future technologies including new materials, coatings, and drug-elution. Briefly, there is evidence that stents are not routinely necessary after uncomplicated ureteroscopy. Patients without stents may have significantly less symptoms that those who are stented after ureteroscopy. Infection rates are relatively uncommon and preoperative antibiotics are warranted but there is little evidence for continued antibiotics thereafter. Stent-related biofilms can help create the infection and there are novel coatings and investigations to understand and prevent the development of these biofilms. Almost all patients experience discomfort and stent symptoms. Drug-eluting stents such as ketorolac have been placed into stents to reduce discomfort. There is good evidence that choosing the correct length of stent is most helpful in preventing stent symptoms. Orally administered alpha blockers provide significant reduction in symptoms of the lower tract related to ureteral stents. One day, a new design, possibly coupled with a new biomaterial will help reduce patient symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6-2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1M9

    Ben H. Chew M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.C., Ryan F. Paterson M.D., F.R.C.S.C. & Dirk Lange M.Sc. (Hon)., Ph.D.

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  1. Ben H. Chew M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.C.
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  2. Ryan F. Paterson M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
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  3. Dirk Lange M.Sc. (Hon)., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Ben H. Chew M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.C. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Department of Urology, The Cleveland Clinic, 2842 Fontenay Road, Cleveland, 44120, Ohio, USA

    Manoj Monga

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Chew, B.H., Paterson, R.F., Lange, D. (2013). Ureteral Stents. In: Monga, M. (eds) Ureteroscopy. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-206-3_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-206-3_17

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

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