M. Arya et al., The self-expanding metallic ureteric stent in the long-term management of benign ureteric strictures, BJU INT, 88(4), 2001, pp. 339-342
Objective To evaluate and assess the long-term complications of using the t
hermo-expandable. nickel-titanium alloy stent (Memokath(TM) 051, Engineers
& Doctors A/S, Hornbaek, Denmark) for managing benign ureteric strictures.
Patients and methods Over a 3-year period. 13 Memokath stents were inserted
in 11 patients (mean age 58 years, range 35-85) with 12 lower ureteric str
ictures. The cause of the stricture was benign in all cases. i.e. radiation
fibrosis in three, retroperitoneal fibrosis, ischaemic uretero-ileal anast
omosis and scarring after ureteroscopy in two each, and diathermy damage, e
xtraluminal endometriosis and stone passage in one each. Four stents were 9
F with proximal expansion to 17 F and the other nine used were 10.5 F with
proximal expansion to 20 F. The patients were followed for it mean (range)
of 18 (1.5-33) months.
Results No complications or side-effects occurred with nine stents: four st
ents were removed at a mean (range) of 16.3 (4-33) months. Three of these h
ad become encrusted, two of which had been placed in patients who had eithe
r a history of stone disease or recurrent urinary tract infection. The othe
r stent had migrated.
Conclusion The Memokath stent appears to have a useful role in managing ben
ign ureteric strictures, but it must be closely monitored in patients who a
re predisposed to encrustation.