Optimal Time of Ureteral Catheter Removal after Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

Introduction: Stenting in the ureter following RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) and stone removal is recommended to prevent edema and colic pain. This study aims to find the optimal time for ureteral stent removal after RIRS with fewer complications.Methods: This study was run under the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Ethical Committee (IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1398.750). In this retrospective study, demographic and clinical information of patients from 2013 to 2019 were investigated.  The patients were classified based on the duration of ureteral catheter placement: group A less than 24h, group B 24-72h and group C Removed after 72h.Results:  From our 80 patients who met inclusion criteria in A and B groups, urologists had to insert a DJ stent for 16 of 19 (84%) (Due to pain and hydronephrosis) and 9 of 27 patients (33%), respectively. In group C, however; only 5 (15%) in 33 patients required a DJ stent following the removal of the simple ureteral catheter. Hence, 84% of the patients with a simple ureteral catheter for over 72h in their ureter did not need re-stenting (P-value 0.001).Conclusions: We concluded that the optimal time of stenting for a simple ureteral catheter is 72 hours. Catheter removal after this time would lead to the least complications.