Traffic light system for simplified decision-making for stent insertion and removal at the time of ureteroscopy

Excerpt

Ureteral stents are a core component of endourology including as part of the exit strategy at the time of ureteroscopy (URS) and stone lithotripsy [1]. In this setting, they have an indispensable role and serve to secure safe drainage from the kidney. However, their merits are matched by potential complications, such as migration, blockage, and pain. For those patients who experience such discomfort, their quality of life can be severely impaired. Patients are counseled pre-operatively regarding their potential placement and for those who have had a previous negative experience, it can be the first question they have upon waking from the anesthetic. At the same time, not placing a stent may also have deleterious consequences. This includes emergency readmissions due to sequelae, such as infection and obstructing residual fragments. The surgeon´s decision can therefore have a large impact on the patient. …