Clinical outcomes of retained double j ureteral stents: Our institute experience

Abstract

Background: Ureteral stents were being used widely urology practice. The indications include post ureteral surgery and for managing obstruction due to intrinsic or extrinsic causes. If left untreated, these retained stents may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives 1. To analyse the various presentations of retained DJ stent. 2. To adapt different modalities of treatment for the management of retained DJ Stents. 3. To assess the complications and outcomes of retained DJ stents. Materials and Methods: 32 patients presented to our out-patient department with retained DJ stent from October 2019 to September 2021. All patients with prior history of DJ stenting and indwelling time of more than one year included in the study. Results: Our study group was 32, most common indication for stenting was post-surgery for stone disease. Among which 8 patients had encrustations in kidney, ureter and bladder. Cystolithotripsy with Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was done in 6 patients. 14 patients had indwelling time between 1-3 years. Conclusion: Encrustation and stone formation in forgotten stents may lead to life threatening complications and pose a challenging management task for the treating surgeon. Combined endourologic techniques can achieve safe removal of forgotten stents. Satisfactory physician-patient communication is of paramount importance in maintaining compliance with treatment and follow-up, and decreasing the risk of adverse events with potentially litigious ramifications.