The pigtail ureteral stent in the cancer patient.

Nephrostomy has been the standard procedure for urinary diversion when ureters are obstructed by cancer. However, recent reports have revealed significant problems related directly to the nephrostomy. The indwelling, internal ureteral stent eliminates many of these problems. We herein describe the course and survival of 20 patients in whom the pigtail ureteral stent was used to relieve ureteral obstruction caused by cancer. In these cases an over-all prolonged longevity, better quality of life and fewer complications have been noted when compared to cases of nephrostomy diversions.     

Therapie der Harnleiterobstruktion

Ureteral obstruction represents a heterogeneous disease pattern and is treated by ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) depending on the necessity. The benefits of urinary diversion with ureteral stenting or PCN in malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) for patient survival are only moderate. No differences have been found between ureteral stenting and PCN in MUO with regard to median patient survival and complication rates. In cases of MUO there is currently no evidence that urinary diversion improves the quality of life. Alternative concepts of ureteral stenting, such as tandem ureteral stents, metallic ureteral stents or metal mesh ureteral stents have not yet shown clear benefits. In benign ureteral obstruction, prospective randomized studies have demonstrated comparable quality of life after PCN or ureteral stenting. The method of choice for urinary diversion is influenced by the recommendations, personal experience of the clinician and the availability of the method.     

Value of proximal diversion and ureteral stenting in management of penetrating ureteral trauma

Cases of penetrating ureteral trauma (17 gunshot wounds and 4 stab wounds) seen at two New York City hospitals over a nine-year period were reviewed. Early urologic complications (defined as urine drainage from the wound for greater than 2 weeks or need for a second operation) occurred in 50 percent of patients with a proximal ureteral injury but were less common when a nephrostomy and stent were used in the repair. A similar beneficial effect of stenting was seen in published cases, with a 91 percent complication rate for unstented repairs and a 15 percent rate when stenting and nephrostomy drainage were both used. The effect of stenting on midureteral repairs was less obvious, but the rate of urologic complications was lower in stented cases. None of the patients with distal ureteral injuries suffered a urologic complication. Stenting with and without a nephrostomy tube also produced good results in 2 patients with proximal ureteral injuries diagnosed late. We conclude that repair of penetrating ureteral injuries should include stenting and nephrostomy tube drainage in cases of proximal injuries, as well as generous debridement and water-tight closure. Midureteral injuries accompanied by gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and major vascular injuries should be stented and proximal diversion considered when prosthetic materials are used for vascular repairs.     

Late complications of ureteral stents

OBJECTIVE: To review morbidity and late complications of ureteral stent insertion and to specifically evaluate hydronephrosis as a radiologic finding of obstruction in the presence of an indwelling ureteral stent. METHODS: In this prospective study, we evaluated 110 stented kidneys in a group of 90 patients. Of 110 stents, 52 were left in place for 3 months, 23 for 6 months, 11 for 9 months, and 24 for up to 12 months. With the stent in place, patients were followed by plain abdominal X-ray 1 and 30 days after stenting. Further follow-up was performed through ultrasound and plain film every 3 months until scheduled date for stent removal or the appearance of complications. RESULTS: In 11 of 110 cases (10%) there was stent fragmentation and in 9 (8.2%) stent migration. In 10 cases (9.1%), there was no change in the severity of the hydronephrosis, but because of flank pain or urinary tract infection with fever, the stents had to be removed. In 6 cases (5.4%) hydronephrosis developed or worsened after stenting. Of the 110 ureteral stents, 32.7% had to be removed because of late complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although ureteral stenting is undoubtedly an important procedure for the release of ureteral obstruction, the indications for stent insertion should be carefully considered in each patient. Late complications of ureteral stents are frequent and appear in one third of the patients. Close follow-up of stented patients is valuable in early detection of morbidity or complications, and in such cases the stent should be removed or exchanged as soon as possible.     

Management of ureteral obstruction secondary to pelvic malignancies

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of urinary diversion (internal v external) in the management of ureteral obstruction secondary to pelvic malignancies and the patients' quality of life after diversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients presented with malignant ureteral obstruction secondary to primary neoplasms of the pelvis or metastatic disease of the pelvis and retroperitoneum and underwent urinary diversion. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the success (Group I) or failure (Group II) of internal stent drainage. Successful drainage was defined according to either radiologic study or the serum creatinine concentration in the case of a solitary kidney. "Useful life" was defined as satisfying four criteria: (1) little or no pain; (2) no complications; (3) ability to return home for at least 2 months; and (4) full mental capacity. RESULTS: Of the total patient population, 58% ultimately failed internal diversion. Nearly all (92%) of the cervical cancer patients required external drainage. Complications were seen in 10% of the stented patients and 13% of the patients with a percutaneous nephrostomy tube, but no procedure-related deaths occurred. Useful life was achieved by 84% of all patients. CONCLUSION: Antegrade drainage should be considered initially in patients who are likely to fail internal drainage (i.e., those with cervical cancer). The majority of these patients have a reasonably good quality of life, and intervention is most often warranted.     

Predicting the success of retrograde stenting for managing ureteral obstruction

PURPOSE: Retrograde ureteral stenting is often considered the first line option for relieving ureteral obstruction when temporary drainage is indicated. Several retrospective studies have implied that in cases of extrinsic obstruction retrograde ureteral stenting may fail and, therefore, percutaneous nephrostomy drainage is required. We examined the efficacy of retrograde ureteral stenting for resolving ureteral obstruction and identified clinical and radiological parameters predicting failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled in our prospective study were 92 consecutive patients with ureteral obstruction, which was bilateral in 8. Retrograde ureteral stenting was attempted in all cases by the urologist on call. When stent insertion failed, drainage was achieved by percutaneous nephrostomy. Patients were followed at 3-week intervals for 3 months. Each followup visit included a medical interview, blood evaluation, urine culture and ultrasound. Stent malfunction was defined as continuous flank pain manifesting as recurrent episodes of acute renal colic, 1 or more episodes of pyelonephritis, persistent hydronephrosis or elevated creatinine. Preoperative data and outcomes were compared in cases of intrinsic and extrinsic obstruction. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to identify predictors of the failure of ureteral stent insertion and long-term function. RESULTS: The etiology of obstruction was intrinsic in 61% of patients and extrinsic in 39%. Extrinsic obstruction, which was associated with a greater degree of hydronephrosis, was located more distal. Retrograde ureteral stenting was successful in 94% and 73% of patients with intrinsic and extrinsic obstruction, respectively. At the 3-month followup stent function was maintained in all patients with intrinsic obstruction but in only 56.4% with extrinsic obstruction. On multivariate logistic regression the type of obstruction, level of obstruction and degree of hydronephrosis were the only predictors of stent function at 3 months. Stent diameter and preoperative creatinine had no predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde ureteral stenting is a good solution for most acutely obstructed ureters. In patients with extrinsic ureteral obstruction a more distal level of obstruction and higher degree of hydronephrosis are associated with a greater likelihood of stent failure. These patients may be better served by percutaneous drainage.     

A “bridge” technique to replace the obstructed single-J stent in the patient with ileal conduit urinary diversion: a case report

The ureteroileal anastomotic stricture is a complication of ileal conduit urinary diversion. To prevent the hydronephrosis and protect the renal function, a single-J ureteral stent may be needed. However, the most common complication of these patients is single-J stent obstruction. To solve this problem, we describe an easy, useful and low-cost technique to replace the obstructed ureteral stent under radiographic guidance without intervention by flexible cystoscopy or percutaneous nephrostomy. The key steps of our procedure are to identify the location of the stricture, to place the super smooth guide wire into pinhole of the obstructed single-J stent and to get the super smooth guide wire and 5-Fr ureteral catheter across the stricture. Our case was a 40-year-old male patient who was diagnosed as pelvic lipomatosis and received ileal conduit urinary diversion 3 years ago. The left-side ureteroileal anastomotic stricture occurred 1 year after surgery. He refused to repair the stricture by open or other minimal invasive surgery. He regularly changed his ureteral stent with intervals of three months. As the stent was obstructed by the stone, the guide wire couldn’t be inserted through the primary ureteral stent. We used our “bridge” technique to solve his problem successfully. No bleeding and no urinary tract infection were observed after intervention. The urine from the ureteral stent was fluent. We think that this “bridge” technique may be a good choice for the replacement of the obstructed single-J stent in the patients of ileal conduit urinary diversion.     

Anterograde insertion of ureteral catheter

We report twenty-four patients with urinary obstruction, in which twenty-seven antegrade ureteral stent (double J) insertions were attempted (in six patients the obstruction was bilateral and in three other patients we failed). In all of them access to the urinary tract was through a nephrostomy catheter, in seventeen cases we proceeded to insert the antegrade catheter immediately after percutaneous nephrostomy and in ten remaining cases we achieved in a second try after carrying nephrostomy and failing a conventional retrograde approach to ureteral stent insertion. We got a 90-per cent success rate. A case of perirrenal hematoma occurred after applying a nephrostomy. It was the only relevant complication. In conclusion we consider that the antegrade ureteral stent insertion is a good alternative when, under several circumstances, the conventional retrograde insertion fails.     

经膀胱镜输尿管双J管置入治疗小儿上尿路梗阻

目的探讨经膀胱镜留置输尿管双J管在小儿上尿路梗阻中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2014年12月~2018年5月45例膀胱镜输尿管双J管置入治疗上尿路梗阻的资料,其中先天性肾积水20例,急性输尿管结石梗阻23例,肾盂离断成形术后积水复发2例。均经膀胱镜逆行置入F3、F4或F4.7双J管。结果2例先天性肾积水和3例急性输尿管结石梗阻未能置入输尿管双J管,其余40例留置双J管位置良好。先天性肾积水18例均于术后6个月取出双J管,8例随访3~4年积水未加重,10例因积水加重行腹腔镜肾盂离断成形术;急性输尿管结石梗阻20例于1~2周拔除输尿管双J管,二期输尿管镜钬激光碎石成功;肾盂离断成形术后积水复发2例均于术后6个月拔除输尿管双J管,1例随访1年5个月肾积水无再次加重,1例因肾积水再次加重于拔管后20天行腹腔镜肾盂离断成形术。结论输尿管双J管置入可有效缓解小儿上尿路梗阻,达到缓解肾脏压力的目的,可作为婴幼儿和儿童上尿路梗阻的一线治疗方案。     

金属内支架介入治疗恶性输尿管狭窄的临床应用

目的探讨经皮顺行植入输尿管金属内支架治疗恶性输尿管狭窄的效果。方法对14例恶性肿瘤伴输尿管狭窄的患者行经皮顺行植入输尿管金属内支架治疗。术后观察尿量及性状,超声及腹部平片随访。结果14例患者植入输尿管内支架均获成功,输尿管梗阻解除,患者临床症状改善,肾功能好转。结论对恶性输尿管狭窄的患者行顺行植入输尿管金属内支架治疗输尿管狭窄,是一种简便、有效、创伤小的治疗方法。     

Prolonged ureteral stenting in obstruction after renal transplantation: long-term results

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. Ureteral stenosis is the most frequent urologic complication. We report our long-term follow-up results concerning endourologic treatment of ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation. METHODS: Between May 1997 and September 2000, 15 patients with renal transplant obstructive uropathy were managed with percutaneous nephrostomy and prolonged ureteral stenting. RESULTS: Percutaneous nephrostomies were performed successfully in all 15 kidneys. In 13 patients, antegrade ureteral stenting was attempted, which was successful in 11 patients (85%). After prolonged ureteral stenting (mean duration 15 months), the stent was removed in all patients, 90% of whom had no recurrence. During follow-up (36 to 71 months; mean 51), urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium determinations and ultrasound scans were performed. Success was defined as a reduction in hydronephrosis. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Modern endourologic procedures have replaced open reconstructive surgery in most patients with ureteral obstruction after renal transplantation, because they may offer a definitive treatment with low morbidity.     

Long-term results of permanent metallic stent implantation in the treatment of benign upper urinary tract occlusion

AIM: The management of complicated benign upper urinary tract occlusion is extremely challenging, especially in patients unable to undergo an open operative procedure. We report the long-term results of a permanent metallic stent for benign upper urinary tract occlusion. METHODS: From October 1995 to December 1998, 13 patients (8 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 43 years) with benign upper tract occlusion have been treated by metallic stent implantation. All patients had a nephrostomy tube to relieve the obstruction and the average time of the nephrostomy tube stay was 27 months, ranging from 3 to 131 months. The average length of occlusion was 2.7 cm, ranging from 1 to 3.6 cm. Ultrasonography, urography, diuresis renography and urine culture were performed every 3 months after stent insertion. Ureteroscopy was done when needed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 92 months (12-132 months). Ureteral patency was achieved in six patients and assisted patency with a Double-J stent was achieved in three patients. In two patients the kidney had to be removed because of progressive malfunction and in two patients the metal stent had to be extracted with the Holmium: YAG laser, burning it down due to the uncontrollable pyonephrosis. In three patients the ipsilateral flank pain recurred. One of these patients experienced urine leakage due to the initial nephrostomy tract: a ureteroscopy revealed a complete hyperplastic urothelial response. Proximal stone formations were found in 2 patients and all were removed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). No stent migration or fragmentation was observed. CONCLUSION: The implantation of metal stent is a safe and effective treatment for benign upper urinary tract occlusion, and has satisfying long-term outcome in selected cases. A further investigation is needed for its impact on the urodynamics of upper urinary tract.     

The ureteral stent: is it useful?

Double-J or double-pigtail ureteral stent was used in 7 cases, 6 cases for ureteral obstruction and 1 case for ureterocutaneous fistula in irradiated patients. In 5 cases ureteral stent failed to drain effectively, in 4 of these 5 cases due to stent obstruction by necrotic tissue which led to percutaneous nephrostomy in 3 cases. In 1 case the ureteral stent drained well and in another case effectiveness of ureteral stent was equivocal. We think that ureteral stent is neither safe nor effective for internal divertion except in short term use postoperatively.     

15-year experience with the management of extrinsic ureteral obstruction with indwelling ureteral stents

PURPOSE: We assessed the success of retrograde placement of indwelling ureteral stents in the management of ureteral obstruction due to extrinsic compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1987 and December 2002 adequate followup was available for 101 patients who underwent primary retrograde ureteral stenting for extrinsic ureteral obstruction. Mean age at presentation was 61.4 years (range 33 to 90). Chart review was performed on all patients for primary diagnosis, symptomatology, degree of hydronephrosis, creatinine levels (baseline, treatment and posttreatment), location of compression, size and number of stents used, progression to percutaneous nephrostomy tube (PNT), stent failure, days to stent failure, post-stent therapy and status at last followup. RESULTS: Mean length of followup was 11 months (range 1 to 127). In 101 patients 138 ureteral units (UU) were stented. Total stent failure occurred in 41 (40.6%) patients and 58 (42.0%) UU. A total of 40 (29.0%) UU required PNTs at a mean of 40.3 days (range 0 to 330) with 18 PNTs placed in less than 1 week. Cases of stent failure that did not undergo PNT placement included 18 (13.0%) UU at a mean of 52.4 days (range 3 to 128). A total of 90 (89.1%) patients had metastatic cancer at stenting with 32.2% dead at 5.8 months (range 1 to 32). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified cancer diagnosis, baseline creatinine greater than 1.3 mg/dl and post-stent systemic treatment as predictors of stent failure. Proximal location of compression and treatment creatinine greater than 3.11 mg/dl were marginal predictors of failure on univariate analysis, while proximal location of obstruction was also marginally significant on multivariate analysis. No predictors were identified for early stent failure (less than 1 week). CONCLUSIONS: At almost 1 year followup stent failure due to extrinsic compression occurred in nearly half of treated patients. Analysis of data revealed a diagnosis of cancer, baseline mild renal insufficiency and metastatic disease requiring chemotherapy or radiation as predictors of stent failure. Managing extrinsic compression by retrograde stenting continues to be a practical but guarded decision and should be tailored to each patient.     

Conversion of percutaneous ureteral stent to indwelling pigtail stent over guidewire

A ureteral stent placed percutaneously through a nephrostomy can be readily exchanged endoscopically for a ureteral indwelling pigtail stent over a percutaneous guide wire. Percutaneous antegrade stent placement can sometimes be accomplished when retrograde placement cannot. We report 10 successful conversions to indwelling stent in 11 cases. In 1 case the percutaneous guide wire could not be retrieved endoscopically because of a bleeding tumor in the bladder. No serious difficulties or complications were encountered. The percutaneous approach offers an alternative method of providing internal urinary diversion if retrograde ureteral indwelling stent placement has failed.     

双J管在腹腔镜泌尿外科手术中的应用

目的：探讨双J管在泌尿外科腹腔镜手术中的应用方法、作用、效果、常见并发症及处理措施。方法：为70例上尿路梗阻性疾病患者用腹腔镜手术治疗,术中留置双J管2～8周。结果：70例患者术后切口愈合良好,无切口感染及漏尿发生,随访3～12个月,患侧肾积水及肾功能明显改善。结论：腹腔镜治疗上尿路梗阻性疾病应用双J管效果明显,置管操作需要一定的技巧,常见并发症与开放手术相似,通过对症处理可缓解。     

Therapy of extrinsic ureteral obstruction with 2 parallel ureteral Double-J stents

We present our experiences with the approach of placing 2 parallel ureteral Double-J stents simultaneously in extrinsically obstructed ureters. In all 5 reported patients therapy with single ureteral stents had failed despite correct stent position. With the increased stiffness of 2 parallel ureteral silicon 7F Double-J stents ureteral kinking and luminal compression could be reduced leading to sufficient reduction of hydronephrosis. This approach with potential space between the stents preserves urinary flow through as well as around the stents which is considered to be the most important mechanism in stented ureters. In cases of extrinsic ureteral obstruction with failure of a single stent the simultaneous use of 2 parallel Double-J ureteral stents should be taken into account as a technically easy therapeutic option. It may obviate percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement or more invasive therapy.     

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: an innovative approach combining metallic stenting and virtual endoscopy

PURPOSE: We report our experience with auto-expandable metallic stents for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 4 patients with a mean age of 45 years who had ureteropelvic junction obstruction with placement of a self-expandable intraureteral metallic stent (Wallstent, Schneider, Zurich, Switzerland). All patients presented with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after open pyeloplasty. Excretory urography and 3-dimensional reconstruction computerized tomography were performed 1 and 6 months after stent insertion. Virtual endoscopy images were obtained at followup due to the need to define ureteral patency. RESULTS: Mean followup was 16 months (range 9 to 24). Wallstent placement was successful and immediate patency was achieved in all cases. During followup 3 patients required no further intervention and the stented ureteropelvic junction remained patent. In the remaining patient stricture recurred 2 months after initial stent insertion due to the ingrowth of scar tissue through the prosthesis. Additional intervention was deemed necessary after placing a longer 6 cm., completely coaxial overlapping metal stent. Virtual endoscopy and excretory urography findings concurred. Virtual endoscopy allows visualization of the stented ureteropelvic junction lumen cephalad and caudal to the prosthesis. It also enables easy navigation within the stent at different angles of view. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of applying metallic stents for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and adjacent adynamic ureteral segments combined with virtual endoscopy is strengthened by the results of this study.     

Impact of stents on urological complications and health care expenditure in renal transplant recipients: results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE: We performed a randomized, prospective trial to compare the incidence of early urological complications and health care expenditures in renal transplant recipients with or without ureteral stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving a renal transplant at a single center were randomized preoperatively to undergo Double-J stent or no-stent ureterovesical anastomosis from November 1998 to October 2001. Early urological mechanical complications were recorded, including urinary leakage or obstruction, or urinary tract infections within 3 months of transplantation. Direct health care costs associated with stenting, urological complications and urinary tract infection management were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were randomized to a stent (112) and a no-stent (89) group. In the no-stent group 11 patients received a stent due to intraoperative findings and were excluded from study. At 3 months there were significantly more cases of urinary leakage (8.9% vs 0.9%, p <0.008) and ureteral obstruction (7.7 % vs 0%, p <0.004) in the no-stent than in the stent group. Mean time of stent removal was 74.3 days. A significant increase in urinary tract infections was observed when stent was left greater than 30 days after transplantation compared to the rate in the no-stent group (p <0.02). An additional cost of 151 UK pounds per patient was incurred in the no-stent group vs the stent group. CONCLUSIONS: Using a ureteral stent at renal transplantation significantly decreases the early urinary complications of urine leakage and obstruction. However, there is a significant increase in urinary tract infections, primarily beyond 30 days after transplantation. Stent removal within 4 weeks of insertion appears advisable.     

Percutaneous treatment of fistulas and stenoses after anastomosis of the uretero-digestive tract

14 ureteral stenoses and 5 fistulae following an uro-intestinal anastomosis (UIA) were managed by a transrenal percutaneous approach. The stenoses (12 uretero-ileal and 1 uretero-colic anastomoses) were dilated with an angioplasty balloon and stented for several weeks. After withdrawal of the stent, performed on 12 out of 14 patients, the dilatation was successful in 8/12 cases (66%), with a follow up of 3 to 36 months. All the fistulae were dried. In 2 cases, complete recovery was achieved after placement of a bilateral nephrostomy tube. In 2 other cases, the ureter was stented at the site of the fistula which dried without sequelae after withdrawal of the stent. In the last case (uretero-colic diversion) surgery was performed after the fistula dried for the cure of a complete stenosis associated with the fistulae. The use of percutaneous nephrostomy is highly recommended for the management of post-operative stenoses and fistulae before considering surgical correction.