Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the biocompatibility and clinical applications of ureteral stent in recent years.
METHODS: A computer search was performed by the author in the VIP database to retrieve articles about ureteral stent materials. The search time limit was 1998-01/2010-04. Key words are ureter; stent material; double-J tube in Chinese. Inclusion criteria: ① articles related to ureteral stent biocompatibility; ② application of ureteral stent and the resulting side effects. Exclusion criteria: repeated studies or old literatures. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 literatures were retained.
RESULTS: The most common biological material currently used in ureteral stents, is the synthetic polymer, but with more complications and poor biocompatibility. Metal ureteral stent is expensive and difficult to remove after implantation, prone to stent displacement. Biodegradable ureteral stent can effectively maintain the drainage patency, low complication rate, be safe and good biocompatible, it is still in the stage of basic research. Clinically, stent materials should be selected for the placement according to patients’ disease. The operation should be strict for stent implantation, symptomatic treatment should be given when complications occur, to prevent complications.
CONCLUSION: The biocompatibility of ureteral stents is needed to be improved; ureteral stent is simple and effective, the patient is well tolerated, but it is necessary to understand and prevent the stent complications after implantation.