Is a 22 cm Ureteric Stent Appropriate for Korean Patients Smaller than 175 cm in Height?

• Published in: Korean journal of urology Vol. 51; no. 9; pp. 642 - 646
• Main Authors: Lee, Byung Ki, Paick, Sung Hyun, Park, Hyoung Keun, Kim, Hyeong Gon, Lho, Yong Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Urological Association 01.09.2010
• Subjects: Original; Body height; Ureter; Asian continental ancestry group; Stents
• ISSN: 2005-6737; 2005-6745
• DOI: 10.4111/kju.2010.51.9.642

Determining the ideal length of a ureteric stent is important to avoid complications associated with stent placement. Clinically, most urologists usually choose the length of a ureteric stent according to the patient's height. On the basis of a Chinese population study, a 22 cm ureteric stent has been recommended for patients smaller than 175 cm. We evaluated the appropriateness of this recommendation in Korean patients. A total of 70 patients who were smaller than 175 cm and who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy and ureteric stent insertion were studied. The appropriateness of the stent length was determined on the basis of plain film findings. Patient discomfort was measured by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the removal of the ureteric stent. In 29 patients with a 22 cm ureteric stent, 21 patients (72.4%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 4.1. In 36 patients with a 24 cm ureteric stent, 20 patients (55.6%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 4.0. Among 5 patients with a 26 cm ureteric stent, 1 patient (20%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 5.4. In Korean patients smaller than 175 cm in height, a 22 cm ureteric stent was an appropriate length.