Improving splintage techniques in pyeloplasty.

One hundred patients undergoing pyeloplasty were studied and the outcome assessed with particular reference to the splintage technique used. A double J stent was used in 16 patients instead of a more traditional external drainage technique. The use of the double J stent for splintage of a pyeloplasty anastomosis was associated with a marked reduction in hospital stay and with fewer post-operative complications when compared with external drainage techniques. The double J stent is recommended in cases where a pyeloplasty anastomosis is to be splinted.