Stenting after ureteroscopy: pros and cons.

The results of the numerous trials evaluating stenting after uncomplicated ureteroscopy suggest that the routine placement of a stent is no longer necessary. Patients with stents seem to have significantly more pain and irritative voiding symptoms. In addition, the routine placement of a stent significantly adds to the overall cost of the procedure. There is a subgroup of patients who would likely benefit from a stent as evidenced by the higher readmission to hospital rate than in nonstented patients. Ideally, future trials will help unmask a method to identify these patients.