Optimal Drainage After Flexible Ureterorenoscopy; Prospective Assessment of Perioperative Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life Through a Randomized Controlled Trial

Flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) is now recommended for the treatment of kidney stones smaller than 20 mm, as an alternative to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and in combination with percutanous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for stones larger than 20 mm. At the end of the operation, a ureteral drainage is put in place for the treatment of residual fragments and the inflammation following the ureteroscopy. It helps prevent obstructive symptoms and the development of strictures. Drainage is done either by a ureteral catheter or by a double J stent. In the literature, while drainage after ureteroscopy is recommended, the criteria for choosing between these two options are not clearly defined. The objective of this study will be to assess whether the type of postoperative drainage after URS for kidney stones can influence the perioperative outcomes and health-related quality of life.