Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of ureteric stent removal using strings compared to conventional methods. Materials and Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to March 2020. Two reviewers searched the literature, independently extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data analysis was performed with the software program Review Manager 5.3. Results Eleven studies with a total of 1809 patients were included in the analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis showed that visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in the string group than in the conventional group (weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.68, -1.58; P < 0.00001). In terms of stent dwell time, the string group had an advantage (WMD -9.53; 95% CI -14.20, -4.86; P < 0.0001). In addition, no significant differences in the occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) (odds ratio (OR) 1.03; 95% CI 0.62, 1.72; P = 0.92), emergency room visits (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.59, 1.67; P = 0.97), or other complications (P > 0.05) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that an extraction string is an effective and safe method for the removal of ureteric stents. This method gives patients the benefits of reduced pain and shortened stent dwell time without increasing the risk of UTI. Nevertheless, these findings should be further confirmed through large-volume, well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Highlights
With the advancement of science and technology, the management of urological diseases has gradually become less invasive; ureteric stents have played an important role in this improvement
The results showed that the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (Figure 3(b))
We hope that more large-volume and highquality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be designed to validate our findings. This meta-analysis indicates that an extraction string is an effective and safe method for the removal of ureteric stents
Summary
With the advancement of science and technology, the management of urological diseases has gradually become less invasive; ureteric stents have played an important role in this improvement. With the wide use of ureteroscopy to remove upper urinary tract stones and detect diseases, ureteric stent placement has become a routine. 80% of urologists will place ureteral stents after uncomplicated transurethral lithotripsy [2]. While ureteral stents are in place, patients feel urgency and discomfort, and there are some related complications, such as infections and encrustations, that negatively impact the quality of life [6, 7]. The removal of a ureteral stent is usually performed by cystoscopy, and patients bear the high cost of surgery and suffer from pain during the process [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
