Combined antegrade and retrograde ureteral stenting: the rendezvous technique

Ureteral stenting is a routine procedure in endourology. To increase the success rate in difficult cases, it may be helpful to use the rendezvous technique, a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. We performed 16 urological rendezvous in 11 patients with ureteral strictures or urologic lesions. The combined approach was successful in all patients, without morbidity or mortality. In our experience the rendezvous technique increased the success rate of antegrade ureteral stenting from 78.6 to 88.09% (p > 0.05). This procedure is a valid option in case of failure of conventional ureteral stenting.     

Combined retrograde-antegrade ureteral stent passage: salvage procedure for a ureteral leak.

The authors describe a stent placement procedure for treatment of an infected ureteral leak after failure of traditional antegrade and retrograde approaches. In this procedure, a guide wire was placed across the distal ureteral segment into a urinoma with use of cystoscopic guidance. Thereafter, an antegrade approach was used to pass a wire loop snare, capture the guide wire, and withdraw it through the proximal ureter for subsequent stent passage. This approach allowed percutaneous stabilization of a ureteral leak in a patient who would have otherwise required immediate surgical repair.     

Percutaneous occlusion of ureteral leaks and fistulae using nondetachable balloons

High-output ureteral fistulae were managed percutaneously in 3 patients with pelvic malignancies. Urine flow was diverted by combining percutaneous nephrostomy catheter drainage with transrenal balloon occlusion of the affected ureter proximal to the site of extravasation. This technique can be used either alone as the definitive method of treatment or as the initial procedure to preserve renal function and reverse the inflammatory reaction prior to subsequent surgical repair; its primary application is in patients in whom antegrade or retrograde ureteral stenting is not feasible or possible.     

Percutaneous nephrostomy and antegrade ureteral stenting: technique—indications—complications

In this review the technique, indication for and complications of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and antegrade ureter stent insertion are described. In the majority of the cases PCN is performed to relieve urinary obstruction, which can be of benign or malignant nature. Another indication for PCN is for treatment of urinary fistulas. PCN can be performed under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance, with a success rate of more than 90%. The complication rate is approximately 10% for major and minor complications together and 4–5% for major complications only. Percutaneous antegrade double-J stent insertion usually is performed if retrograde ureter stenting has not been successful. However, especially in malignant obstructions, the success rate for antegrade stenting is higher than for retrograde transvesical double-J stent insertion. In the case of severe infection and bleeding after PCN JJ-stent insertion may be contraindicated so long as there is no sufficient concomitant drainage via a PCN . Lower urinary tract dysfunction should be excluded before stent placement. The complication rate is 2–4%. Consequent stent surveillance with regular stent exchange is mandatory.     

Primary antegrade ureteric stenting: prospective experience and cost-effectiveness analysis in 50 ureters.

AIM: To evaluate the success rate and cost efficiency of primary antegrade ureteric stenting (antegrade ureteric stent insertion as a single procedure without preliminary drainage). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A policy of primary stenting was tested in 38 patients (50 ureters) with obstructive hydronephrosis, of acute or chronic onset and of benign or malignant origin. Patients with suspected pyonephrosis were excluded. Patients successfully primarily stented (group 1) were compared to a group stented as a traditional two-stage procedure (group 2). End point assessments were screening time, equipment used, procedure-related costs, bed occupancy and technical and clinical success rate. Using these cost and outcome measures, a cost-efficiency analysis was performed comparing the two strategies. RESULTS: 40/50 (80%) ureters were considered primary stent successes. The average procedure-related bed occupancy was 2 days (range 1-2 days). Simple equipment alone was successful in 16 cases. Van ( pound46/case). The mean screening time was similar for the two groups (13.5 min vs Andel dilatation catheters and peel-away sheaths were frequently used (23 ureters). Expensive equipment was rarely necessary (four cases) and average extra equipment cost was small 15.3 min; P > or = 0.05). There was a minimum saving of pound800 per successful primary stent. The cost-effectiveness of a primary antegrade stenting strategy was pound1229 vs pound2093 for secondary stenting. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected patients, the majority of obstructed ureters can be primarily stented using simple equipment. The reduced hospital stay and overall success rate significantly improves the cost competitiveness of antegrade ureteric stenting.     

Cutting-balloon angioplasty of resistant ureteral stenosis as bridge to stent insertion

Ureteral stenting is a routine, minimally invasive procedure performed for relief of benign or malignant obstruction. In case of ureteral stenosis, to allow a correct insertion of the stent, a predilatation of the ureter stenosis with a conventional balloon catheter can be necessary. In exceptional cases, it can be difficult to advance an 7-8 Fr JJ-catheter over a tight resistant ureter stenosis following unsuccessful high-pressure balloon dilatation. In the present report, we describe two cases of resistant ureter stenosis successfully dilated by a cutting-balloon following the failure of high-pressure balloon dilatation, allowing a correct and uncomplicated antegrade stent insertion.     

Ureteral stent placement without postprocedural nephrostomy tube: experience in 41 patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate one-stage antegrade ureteral stent placement without postprocedural nephrostomy tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tubeless ureteral stent insertion was attempted in 41 (30 men, 11 women; eight, benign obstruction; nine outpatients) of 97 adults (56 excluded). Patients were clinically stable with known ureteral obstruction and had been referred for antegrade ureteral stent insertion. Exclusion criteria were infection, coagulopathy, or emergency cases. After renal access was achieved, ureteral stents were inserted. If drainage was satisfactory and there was no marked procedural bleeding, all access was removed without leaving a nephrostomy tube behind. Technical and clinical success rates and complications were assessed with review of radiologic and clinical notes. If one-stage stent insertion was unsuccessful, a nephrostomy tube was inserted and two-stage stent placement was performed. All 56 patients excluded from this study underwent two-stage stent placement. Major complication rate was assessed (Fisher test). RESULTS: One-stage stent insertion was technically successful in 36 (88%) patients; two with an identifiable risk factor (recent bladder operation, retrograde ureteral instrumentation) developed septicemia that required repeat nephrostomy tube insertion and 2-8 extra days of hospitalization. Clinical success rate was 83% (34 of 41). No major bleeding occurred. In 13 (36%) of 36 patients, hematuria lasted longer than 24 hours but resolved without further intervention or blood transfusion. In those who underwent two-stage stent placement (n = 61), technical success rate was 100%, but clinical success rate was 98%; one patient developed septicemia, and no major hemorrhage occurred. Difference in major complication rate between groups was not significant (6% [two of 36] vs 2% [one of 61]; P =.55). CONCLUSION: One-stage tubeless antegrade ureteral stent insertion in selected cases showed 88% technical success rate and 83% clinical success rate, with no major hemorrhage.     

Placement of ureteral stents by antegrade and retrograde techniques

In summary, ureteral stenting is an established urologic and radiologic procedure. The percutaneous antegrade approach performed by the radiologist and the retrograde route employed by the urologist have gained acceptance as valuable adjuncts in the management of patients with ureteral obstruction due to malignancy. Stents are widely used following ureteral surgery and percutaneous manipulations. They provide a route for urinary drainage while maintaining adequate ureteral caliber, so that healing of damaged ureters can take place.     

Management of ureteral strictures in renal transplants by antegrade balloon dilatation and temporary internal stenting

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous balloon dilatation and temporary internal stenting in the treatment of transplant ureteral strictures. Methods: Nine patients presenting with obstructed renal transplants were treated by antegrade nephrostomy insertion, ureteroplasty, and temporary internal stenting. Following stent removal, patients were divided into two groups for analysis according to whether the obstruction occurred less than (group A) or more than (group B) 3 months following transplantation. Results: All procedures were technically successful. In group A (n= 6), all patients were successfully treated by one or two dilatations with stenting. In group B (n= 3), two patients were successfully treated by one dilatation with stenting. Overall, eight patients (89%) have had their primary or secondary stent removed successfully at a mean interval of 97.5 days after insertion, and remain well at a mean follow-up interval of 22 months. Conclusion: Balloon dilatation and temporary internal stenting is a useful method for treating transplant ureteral strictures.     

Interventional radiology in iatrogenic ureteral leaks: case series and literature review

Iatrogenic ureteral injuries are a dramatic complication in medical practice. Nowadays there are no universal guidelines for their management. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of the percutaneous treatment in restoring ureteral integrity in 19 patients that came to our attention. In each case retrograde stenting failed and patients were candidates for re-surgery. Our strategy consists of two phases. The first step is the nephrostomy that allows an external urinary diversion putting dry the damaged ureteral segment. The second step is the anterograde ureteral double-J stenting that keeps near the two stumps promoting the healing of the injured tract. In complete sections, when both retrograde and anterograde stenting singularly failed, we performed a rendez-vous technique with a combined radiological trans-nephrostomic access and urological cystoscopic approach to realign and catheterize the ureteral stumps. In patients with Bricker urinary diversion, peri-anastomotic leaks were treated by positioning a multi-hole pig-tail catheter with the inner end in the renal pelvis and the distal portion outgoing from the cutaneous stoma. Subsequent pyelographic controls demonstrated the resolution of the ureteral leak in all patients and none required a surgical re-intervention. Nephrostomies were removed and ureteral stents were regularly changed. We conclude that interventional uro-radiology may offer a valid conservative option in iatrogenic urinary injuries.     

Percutaneous antegrade removal of double J ureteral stents via a 9-F nephrostomy route

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of an antegrade approach in the removal of double J ureteral stents via preexisting nondilated nephrostomy routes under fluoroscopic guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under fluoroscopic guidance and local anesthesia, antegrade removal of 39 ureteral stents in 27 patients was attempted by using a snare or basket. Indications for percutaneous stent removal included the presence of a preexisting nephrostomy route (n = 8), a surgical history resulting in an inaccessible retrograde route (n = 8), urethral stricture (n = 5), upward stent migration (n = 2), inability to obtain a lithotomy position (n = 1), fragmentation of the proximal stent (n = 1), and inability to find the ureteral orifice with a cystoscope (n = 2). RESULTS: Thirty-seven of the 39 stents (95%) were successfully removed by using a snare or basket. Two stents (5.1%) could not be removed with a snare or basket because they were embedded against the renal calyx or pelvis. There were no major complications. Blood clot formation or laceration or tract leakage of the pelvicalyceal system occurred in six and two patients, respectively, all of which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous antegrade removal of double J ureteral stents with a snare or basket via a nondilated nephrostomy route is effective without major complications in patients with an available nephrostomy route or an inaccessible retrograde option.     

The management of ureteric obstruction secondary to malignant pelvic disease

AIM: Management of upper-tract obstruction secondary to a malignant pelvic process is a difficult problem and is best dealt with by a multi-disciplinary team. In the present audit, we address the question: is staged antegrade stenting better than retrograde ureteric stenting? MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our present management of upper-tract obstruction secondary to malignant pelvic disease in 65 patients treated over a period of 2 years. Fifty-eight patients had urological cancer and seven patients had non-urological cancers; 70% of all cases had renal impairment. Twenty-four of 65 patients had an attempt at endoscopic retrograde ureteric stenting as a primary method of decompression while percutaneous nephrostomy followed by antegrade ureteric stenting was performed in 41/65 patients. RESULTS: Endoscopic retrograde stenting had a success rate of 21% whereas two-stage antegrade stenting was successful in 98% of patients. The antegrade approach had minimal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Obstruction of the pelvic ureter secondary to any pelvic malignancy is best managed by two-stage antegrade ureteric stenting. This approach has a high success rate with minimal morbidity, and should be preferred to an endoscopic approach. This highlights the important role of an interventional uroradiologist in the management of these patients.     

Direct Primary or Secondary Percutaneous Ureteral Stenting: What Is the Most Compliant Option in Patients with Malignant Ureteral Obstructions?

The objective of this study was to analyze three ureteral stenting techniques in patients with malignant ureteral obstructions, considering the indications, techniques, procedural costs, and complications. In the period between June 2003 and June 2006, 45 patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstructions were evaluated (24 males, 21 females; average age, 68.3; range, 42–87). All of the patients were treated with ureteral stenting: 30 (mild strictures) with direct stenting (insertion of the stent without predilation), 30 (moderate/severe strictures) with primary stenting (insertion of the stent after predilation in a one-stage procedure), and 30 (mild/moderate/severe strictures with infection) with secondary stenting (insertion of the stent after predilation and 2–3 days after nephrostomy). The incidence of complications and procedural costs were compared by a statistical analysis. The primary technical success rate was 98.89%. We did not observe any major complications. The minor complication rate was 11.1%. The incidence of complications for the various techniques was not statistically significantly. The statistical analysis of costs demonstrated that the average cost of secondary stenting (€637; SD, €115) was significantly higher than that of procedures which involved direct or primary stenting (€560; SD, €108). We conclude that one-step stenting (direct or primary) is a valid option to secondary stenting in correctly selected patients, owing to the fact that when the procedure is performed by expert interventional radiologists there are high technical success rates, low complication rates, and a reduction in costs.     

Temporary Covered Metallic Ureteral Stent Placement for Ureteral Strictures following Kidney Transplantation: Experience in 8 Patients

This brief report presents 8 patients with silicone-covered metallic stent placement for ureteral strictures refractory to double-J stent placement, following kidney transplantation. Stent removal was successfully performed in 7 patients via antegrade (n = 4) or retrograde (n = 3) access 6 weeks to 6 months after stenting for elective removal (6-month interval, n = 3), urothelial hyperplasia (n = 2), or stent migration (n = 2), and their mean primary ureteral patency after stent removal was 15.4 months (range, 2–27 months). Hematuria (n = 2) and pain (n = 3) occurred, but resolved within 1 week. One stent was removed during reconstructive surgery. During follow-up of mean 22.6 months after stent removal, ureteral strictures recurred in 2 patients.     

Memokath Metallic Stent in the Treatment of Transplant Kidney Ureter Stenosis or Occlusion

Purpose To determine the efficacy of the Memokath 051 stent (Engineers & Doctors, Hornbaek, Denmark) in the treatment of recurrent ureteral stenosis or occlusion in transplant kidneys.Methods From October 1985 through January 2004, 1,131 renal transplantations were performed at our center. Four patients who developed recurrent renal transplant ureter obstruction had nephrostomy catheters placed. Antegrade pyelography showed ureteral stenosis in three cases and complete occlusion in one patient. In each case, a Memokath 051 stent was inserted via an antegrade approach. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 18–21 months). Creatinine levels were measured and ultrasonography was performed during follow-up.Results All stent procedures were technically successful. During follow-up, one stent migrated within 10 days after stent insertion and was removed cystoscopically. Another stent had to be removed in the 14th month due to resistant infection, and was replaced with a new Memokath 051 stent which remained patent for another 8 months. The other two stents were fully patent at the 18th and 21st month of follow-up, respectively.Conclusion Placement of a Memokath 051 stent appears to be a promising treatment alternative to balloon dilation, double-J stents and open surgical intervention for ureteral stenosis or occlusion in kidney transplant recipients. Further study of larger series is necessary.     

Antegrade double J ureteral stenting for ureteric strictures: use of silicone stents

In 16 patients with ureteric strictures, silicone double J ureteral stents were inserted antegradely following percutaneous nephrostomy. In 9 patients prior attempt at retrograde placement of a stent had failed. Balloon dilatation of the stricture using angiographic catheters was also performed in 5 patients. The ureteric strictures were most commonly caused by malignant infiltration, post operative fibrosis, infection and ureteric calculi. Most previous reports have described the use of polyethylene and polyurethrane stents. Technical problems with the use of silicone stents are discussed. Although silicone stents are better tolerated by patients and associated with low complication rates, in 5 of 18 stents inserted (28%) the procedure failed. Suboptimal positioning of the stent due to poor radio-opacity and premature occlusion were the causes. With the availability of co-polymer stents, it is likely that these will replace silicone stents as the stent material of choice for antegrade insertion.     

经皮顺行性输尿管支架介入治疗输尿管狭窄的护理

目的 探讨经皮顺行输尿管支架介入治疗输尿管狭窄的护理.方法 对35例患者通过术前病房护理,给予营养支持治疗;做好术中准备和配合工作,监测生命体征;术后做好饮食指导、体位指导、并发症的观察和护理及出院指导.结果 35例输尿管支架置放术均一次成功,术后肾功能明显改善,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);通过积极的护理干预措施,腰酸腰痛、膀胱刺激症、血尿及尿路感染等并发症均得到了有效的缓解.结论 全面、周到、细致护理是完成经皮顺行输尿管支架置入治疗输尿管狭窄和减少术后并发症的重要保证.     

Interval Biliary Stent Placement Via Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Cholecystostomy: Another Approach to Palliative Treatment in Malignant Biliary Tract Obstruction

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a minimally invasive procedure for providing gallbladder decompression, often in critically ill patients. It can be used in malignant biliary obstruction following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography when the intrahepatic ducts are not dilated or when stent insertion is not possible via the bile ducts. In properly selected patients, percutaneous cholecystostomy in obstructive jaundice is a simple, safe, and rapid option for biliary decompression, thus avoiding the morbidity and mortality involved with percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting. Subsequent use of a percutaneous cholecystostomy for definitive biliary stent placement is an attractive concept and leaves patients with no external drain. To the best of our knowledge, it has only been described on three previous occasions in the published literature, on each occasion forced by surgical or technical considerations. Traditionally, anatomic/technical considerations and the risk of bile leak have precluded such an approach, but improvements in catheter design and manufacture may now make it more feasible. We report a case of successful interval metal stent placement via percutaneous cholecystostomy which was preplanned and achieved excellent palliation for the patient. The pros and cons of the procedure and approach are discussed.     

Balloon dilatation and insertion of temporary coated stents using a retrograde approach in patients with irreversible strictures of the distal ureter

Purpose

Irreversible obstruction of urine flow due to stricture of the distal ureter is one of the most frequent reasons for uroradiological intervention. Using new technologies and with appropriate stents applied at the right time, it is possible to release the stricture and avoid external drainage of urine.

Materials and methods

Our case series consists of six patients (four women, two men) initially treated by percutaneous nephrostomy due to ureteral stricture. The authors used a combined approach (both percutaneous and retrograde) because the balloon catheter could not be inserted using only one approach owing to the morphology of the stricture. The metal guidewire was inserted through a residual tract after previous nephrostomy, and the balloon catheter and a stent were introduced using a retrograde approach through the urinary bladder (four cases) or through an ileostomy positioned at the anterior abdominal wall. In five of the six cases, coated temporary ureteral stents were used.

Results

In all six cases the therapeutic aim was achieved. Urine flow through the strictures was established, and the need for percutaneous nephrostomy was obviated. Neither early nor late complications (11 months after the procedure and 6 months after stent removal) associated with the procedure were recorded.

Conclusion

In patients with subtotal stricture of the distal ureter, which permits passage only of a hydrophyl guidewire, a combined percutaneous retrograde approach can achieve sustainable flow of urine through the stricture using a balloon catheter and coated stents.     

Antegrade stenting of malignant ureteral strictures

Renal failure due to malignant ureteral obstruction presents a management dilemma because there is invariably advanced disease. We review our experience with 28 patients referred for antegrade ureteral stenting of malignant ureteral obstruction. Antegrade stenting was successful in 17 and unsuccessful in 11. In the former group, mean survival was 14.3 months (range 0.5–92 months), whereas in the latter mean survival was 3.8 months (range 0.3–14 months). Our experience is that when successful, intervention does prolong life. We challenge the widespread belief that such intervention is not justified. Acknowledging that each case should be dealt with on its merits, we advocate that if nephrostomy drainage is performed for malignant ureteral obstruction, such patients deserve at least an attempt at antegrade stenting. Our modification to the technique uses a 12f Amplatz fascial dilator to create a coaxial system, allowing greater guide-wire and catheter control.