**2. Problems arising from stents**

Stents have been associated with increased morbidity causing infection,(Riedl, Plas et al. 1999) encrustation,(Paick, Park et al. 2003) hematuria,(Damiano, Oliva et al. 2002; Joshi, Newns et al. 2003; Joshi, Chitale et al. 2005) and discomfort (Joshi, Stainthorpe et al. 2001; Joshi, Okeke et al. 2002). The Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) looks at different facets of life including sexual function which has been shown to be negatively affected by the presence of a stent (Sighinolfi, Micali et al. 2007). In fact, ureteroscopes, intracorporeal lithotriptors, and ureteroscopic techniques have improved to the point that the major morbidity of ureteroscopy has become the stent left *in situ* postoperatively*.*  Studies evaluating differences in postoperative complications and stone-free rates in stented compared to non-stented patients have shown that stents are not a routine requirement following uncomplicated ureteroscopy (Hosking, McColm et al. 1999; Borboroglu, Amling et al. 2001; Denstedt, Wollin et al. 2001). The uncommon, but most severe problem arising from stents is the "forgotten stent" that is left in place for several months to years. These stents become encrusted and create difficulty for both patient and urologist, especially since their removal involves multiple surgical procedures (Rana and Sabooh 2007) and may result in loss of the renal unit or potentially even death (Singh, Srinivastava et al. 2005).
