Letter to the Editor RE: Schwartz, Editorial Comment on: The Impact of Ureteral Deformation and External Ureteral Pressure on Stent Failure in Extrinsic Ureteral Obstruction--An in Vitro Experimental Study by Shilo et al. (From: Shilo Y, Modai J, Leibovici D, et al. J Endourol 2020;34:74; DOI: 10.1089/end.2019.0636)

We thank the author of the editorial comment for his remarks on our article. In response, we fully agree that, ultimately, in vivo studies are critical and essential. However, as noted also by the editorial comment author, there are a large number of variables and intertwined responses, rendering current in vivo studies difficult and inconclusive. It is, therefore, preferable to compare, first, different stents and specific factors under well-controlled in vitro conditions, following the standard scientific practice of study from the bench to live models and to human exposure. [first paragraph in lieu of abstract]