Pg. Borboroglu et Cj. Kane, Current management of severely encrusted ureteral stents with a large associated stone burden, J UROL, 164(3), 2000, pp. 648-650
Purpose: We review our recent experience with encrusted retained ureteral s
tents associated with a large stone burden as well as current endoscopic op
tions available for management.
Materials and Methods: One man and 3 women presented to our department betw
een May 1998 and April 1999 for treatment of an encrusted retained ureteral
stent. One patient had a history of 3 episodes of ureteral stent encrustat
ion 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 inter
val 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 pati
ents required 2 to 6 endourological approaches (average 4.2) performed at 1
or multiple sessions to render them stone-free and stent-free. Postoperati
vely sepsis in 1 case necessitated a prolonged intensive care unit stay wit
h eventual recovery.
Conclusions: Successful management of a retained encrusted stent requires c
ombined endourological approaches. Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and uret
eroscopy are often necessary for treating a severely encrusted stent and th
e associated stone burden.