Effect of short-term pre-operative double J stenting on perioperative parameters and clinical outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery

Background: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is currently one of the preferred treatment option of renal stones up to 2 cm. Pre-operative double J (DJ) stenting is supposed to passively dilate the ureter and allow for easier access to the upper urinary tract, and reduce ureteral trauma. Moreover, pre-operative stenting has its own demerits, such as cost and stent-related symptoms. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study was to measure the effect of short-term pre-operative DJ stenting on intraoperative and post-operative outcomes such as operative time, intraoperative complications, post-operative complications, and stone-free rate (SFR). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones in our institution from 2024 to 2025 were registered prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. All underwent DJ stenting 1 week before the definitive procedure. Along with basic characteristics of the patients and stones, operative time, SFR, and any intraoperative or post-operative complications were documented. Results: A total of 50 patients with a mean age of 41.16 years were included. The mean operative time was 60.3±19.5 min. SFR was 96% with significantly low intraoperative complications such as ureteral injury (4%) and post-operative complications such as urinary tract infections (6%), pyelonephritis (2%). Conclusion: Although there is no definite consensus to date regarding the need and duration of pre-operative DJ stenting for retrograde intrarenal surgery, short-duration (1 week) definitely makes the ureter favorable for the procedure and provides a higher SFR with reduced intraoperative and post-operative events without increasing operation time and stent-related complains.