Choosing an appropriate length of loop type ureteral stent using direct ureteral length measurement

Urol Int. 2012;88(1):48-53. doi: 10.1159/000332431. Epub 2011 Nov 19.

Abstract

Purpose: The ureteral stent is now a fundamental part of many urological procedures. To decrease ureteral stent-related symptoms, loop type ureteral stent was developed. However the most important factor to decrease urinary symptoms is choosing the optimal length of a ureteral stent. We investigated the relationship between the actual ureteral length and the loop type ureteral stent position.

Materials and methods: A total of 226 loop type polyurethane ureteral stents (156 patients) were inserted with four options for stent length (20, 22, 24 and 26 cm). The ureteral length was measured using a ruled 5-Fr ureteral catheter. The appropriateness of stent position was defined into three groups based on kidney-ureter-bladder films.

Results: Nine stents (3.9%) migrated, 171 stents (75.7%) were in the appropriate position and 46 stents (19.5%) were overlong. The rate of migration rate and overlong stents closely correlated with the ureteral length when the proximal end of the stent was in the renal pelvis.

Conclusions: It is appropriate to choose a loop type ureteral stent that is the same or 1 cm less than the length of the ureter when the proximal end of the stent will be in the renal pelvis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyurethanes
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Radiography
  • Stents* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureter / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ureteral Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Obstruction / therapy
  • Ureterolithiasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureterolithiasis / therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Polyurethanes