P G Borboroglu1, C J Kane. 1. Department of Urology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA 92134-1005, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We review our recent experience with encrusted retained ureteral stents associated with a large stone burden as well as current endoscopic options available for management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One man and 3 women presented to our department between May 1998 and April 1999 for treatment of an encrusted retained ureteral stent. One patient had a history of 3 episodes of ureteral stent encrustation during the last 6 years. We reviewed the management of these stents and the associated stone burden. RESULTS: Average patient age was 32.5 years (range 25 to 41). Average interval that the encrusted stent remained in place was 7 months (range 3 to 12). In the 3 women pregnancy was associated with the retained stent. All patients required 2 to 6 endourological approaches (average 4.2) performed at 1 or multiple sessions to render them stone-free and stent-free. Postoperatively sepsis in 1 case necessitated a prolonged intensive care unit stay with eventual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Successful management of a retained encrusted stent requires combined endourological approaches. Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and ureteroscopy are often necessary for treating a severely encrusted stent and the associated stone burden.
PURPOSE: We review our recent experience with encrusted retained ureteral stents associated with a large stone burden as well as current endoscopic options available for management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One man and 3 women presented to our department between May 1998 and April 1999 for treatment of an encrusted retained ureteral stent. One patient had a history of 3 episodes of ureteral stent encrustation during the last 6 years. We reviewed the management of these stents and the associated stone burden. RESULTS: Average patient age was 32.5 years (range 25 to 41). Average interval that the encrusted stent remained in place was 7 months (range 3 to 12). In the 3 women pregnancy was associated with the retained stent. All patients required 2 to 6 endourological approaches (average 4.2) performed at 1 or multiple sessions to render them stone-free and stent-free. Postoperatively sepsis in 1 case necessitated a prolonged intensive care unit stay with eventual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Successful management of a retained encrusted stent requires combined endourological approaches. Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and ureteroscopy are often necessary for treating a severely encrusted stent and the associated stone burden.