The Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Not Indwelling of Ureteral Stents in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Plain-language summary

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is currently the preferred treatment for upper urinary tract stones larger than 2cm. In the standard PCNL procedure, a nephrostomy tube and a ureteral stent are often placed before the end of surgery. Recently, PCNL without indwelling nephrostomy tube but with indwelling ureteral stent (also called "tubeless PCNL") or PCNL without indwelling nephrostomy tube and ureteral stent (also called "totally tubeless PCNL") has been put into practice. Compared with the standard PCNL , tubeless or totally tubeless PCNL can effectively reduce postoperative pain and shorten hospital stay, while the incidence of complications does not significantly increase. Is it possible not to leave a ureteral stent but leave a nephrostomy tube (also called "stent-less PCNL") after PCNL? In theory, the nephrostomy tube can have certain effect, such as decreasing the risk of post-operative bleeding. On the other hand, not indwelling a ureteral stent can bring benefits to patients. Recently, there is limited research on not indwelling ureteral stent after PCNL, and its safety and feasibility require clinical validation. In summary, investigators conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to explore the safety and feasibility of not indwelling ureteral stent after PCNL.

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