Trimming a tether: a simple way to prevent complications related to tethered ureteral stents.

Abstract

A method to prevent complications related to a tethered ureteral stent was assessed. In 17 male patients tethers were trimmed just short of the meatus after insertion of a ureteral stent. At stent removal a rigid cystoscope was inserted into the anterior urethra, and the edge of the tether was grasped with foreign body forceps. Only 1 patient required removal of the tether due to severe urethral discomfort. Pain at cystoscopy for removal of the ureteral stent was minimal. This method is useful for improving the quality of life during the catheterization period without decreasing effectiveness of a conventional ureteral stent with a tether.