What is the Sting procedure in urology?

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Last updated: March 21, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The STING procedure is not a recognized term in the provided evidence, however, based on the context of urology, it is possible that the question is referring to the placement of a double-J ureteral stent, which is a common procedure for managing urinary tract obstruction.

Procedure Overview

The procedure involves the placement of a double-J ureteral stent, which is a small, hollow tube that is inserted into the ureter to help drain urine from the kidney to the bladder.

  • The stent is typically placed using a cystoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
  • The stent is then guided into the ureter and positioned to allow for proper drainage of urine.

Indications and Contraindications

The placement of a double-J ureteral stent is typically indicated for patients with urinary tract obstruction, such as those with kidney stones or tumors that are blocking the flow of urine.

  • The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients can typically go home the same day.
  • However, patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or allergies to the materials used in the stent, may not be good candidates for the procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with the placement of a double-J ureteral stent, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blockage of the stent
  • Displacement of the stent
  • Damage to the ureter or bladder

Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure, patients should receive prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection, and should be monitored for signs of complications, such as fever, chills, or difficulty urinating.

  • Patients should also be instructed on how to care for their stent, including how to clean the area around the stent and how to recognize signs of complications.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

According to the evidence, the placement of a double-J ureteral stent is a safe and effective procedure for managing urinary tract obstruction, with a high success rate and low risk of complications 1.

  • The evidence also suggests that the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, and that patients can typically go home the same day.
  • However, the evidence also notes that patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or allergies to the materials used in the stent, may not be good candidates for the procedure.

From the Research

Definition and Purpose of the Sting Procedure

  • The Sting procedure, also known as the subureteral injection, is a minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) 2.
  • The procedure involves injecting a material, such as dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, under the ureter to create a barrier and prevent reflux.

Technique and Modifications

  • The standard Sting procedure involves inserting a needle under the ureter and injecting the material 2.
  • A modified version of the procedure, called "ureteral repositioning and injection" (URI), involves raising and levering the distal part of the ureter towards the bladder lumen before injecting the material 2.
  • The URI technique may have advantages, such as being easier to perform and requiring less material to inject, and may help reconstruct a true flap-valve mechanism without the risk of ureteral obstruction 2.

Comparison with Other Urological Procedures

  • The Sting procedure is different from ureteral stenting, which involves placing a stent in the ureter to maintain patency and prevent obstruction 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Ureteral stenting is used to treat ureteral strictures, stones, and other conditions, whereas the Sting procedure is specifically used to treat VUR 3, 4, 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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