Recent advances in ureteral stents

Abstract

Purpose of review: Conventional ureteral stents, which have been in use for almost 30 years, are undergoing several changes in materials, designs and purposes of use.

Recent findings: Recent advances in ureteroscopes reduced the numbers of double-J insertions. In addition, because of the frequent failures of the double-J stents in malignant obstructions of the ureter coiled metal stents, metal coil-reinforced stents and large-caliber self-expanding stents are being developed for such patients. In the near future, a new application will be stent-based drug delivery.

Summary: The conventional double-J stents and the concept of ureteral stenting is undergoing several changes. New generation stents will allow the physician to choose better-fitting stents according to the needs of the individual patient.