Prophylactic ureteral stent in colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE

Accidental ureteric injury during colorectal surgery is a rare but dreadful event. It is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Prophylactic placement of double J stents could improve ureteral identification and decrease the chance of accidental ureteral injury.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Web of Science for studies published until March 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I statistics, with p-values inferior to 0.10 and I > 25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was conducted in RStudio version 4.4.1.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies were included, comprising 71,784 patients. Among them, 11,723 (16.4%) were submitted to a prophylactic ureteral stent while 59,961 (83.6%) were not. There was no significant difference in ureteral injury between the groups (0.66% vs 0.8%; OR 1.45; 95% CI 0.43-4.87; p = 0.552; I = 56%). Prophylactic stent placement was associated with an increase in AKI (1.7% vs. 0.56%; OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.24-1.91; p < 0.001; I = 44%), operative time (MD 24.8 min; 95% CI 4.9-44.8; p = 0.01; I = 91%), and a decrease in mortality (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.23; p < 0.001; I = 42%). No differences were observed in UTI, hematuria, length of hospital stays, and reoperation.

CONCLUSION

In colorectal surgery, prophylactic ureteral stents were associated with increased AKI and operative time. No significant difference was observed in ureteral injury, UTI, hematuria, length of hospital stays, and reoperation.