Noncystoscopic Removal of Double-J Stent in Women: Feasibility and Safety

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of a simple non-cystoscopic method previously applied in children for removing double-J stents applied in women by comparing the hospitalization time, operation time, costs, complications, and success rate. Methods180 women who underwent either cystoscopic or non-cystoscopic double-J stent removal in a randomized manner. They were randomly assigned 1:1 to groups of cystoscopic double-J stent removal (n = 90) or non-cystoscopic double-J stent removal (n = 90). The age ranged from 19 to 72 years. After the removal of the double-J stent, the operation time, costs, complications, and success rate were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe operation time of the non-cystoscopic group was lower than that of the cystoscopic group (6.0(5.0,7.0) minutes VS 2.0(2.0,3.0) minutes, P<0.001). The hospitalization costs of the non-cystoscopic group were significantly shorter than that of the cystoscopic group (1361.2(1331.4,1379.2) Yuan VS 873.9(868.5,896.1) Yuan, P<0.001). There were no complications such as infection and massive bleeding in the two groups during and after the operation. Most non-cystoscopic double-J stent removal can succeed in less than three attempts (88/90). All patients in the non-cystoscopic group used this technique to remove the double-J stent. ConclusionsNon-cystoscopic removal of double-J stent has the advantages of short operation time and low hospitalization costs. It is a safe and feasible minimally invasive method to replace cystoscopic removal of the double-J stent.