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.     

Success of ureteral stents for intrinsic ureteral obstruction

PURPOSE: Previous reports suggest a high success rate for retrograde ureteral stenting for intrinsic ureteral obstruction, but few preoperative predictors of success have been offered. We reviewed our experience to look for factors that suggest failure of stents for intrinsic ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of retrograde ureteral stent placement for intrinsic ureteral obstruction without concurrent or intended definitive management of the obstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients treated for intrinsic ureteral obstruction, representing 41 ureteral units (UUs), were monitored for an average of 25.5 months. The overall success rate was 88%. Of the successes, 13 UUs had definitive therapy to permanently remove the cause of obstruction, obstruction resolved in 12 UUs after stent placement, and 11 UUs were managed with indwelling stents. Therapy failed in five UUs, with a median time to failure of 1.9 months. Of the UUs in which failure occurred, three failures were caused by misdiagnosis; in the remaining two, the stent did not correct the obstruction. On univariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.006), increased creatinine level as a presenting symptom (P = 0.002), and more severe preoperative hydronephrosis (P = 0.042) were predictive of failure. Adverse events were low, with complications from stenting occurring on only four of 41 UUs. CONCLUSION: If initial stent placement was possible, intrinsic ureteral obstruction was managed successfully in 88% of patients. Given high success and minimal complications, retrograde placement of ureteral stents can be performed to treat patients with intrinsic ureteral obstruction. Treatment failure is more likely to occur in men and patients with severe hydronephrosis or an elevated creatinine level.     

The management of malignant ureteral obstruction treated with ureteral stents

PURPOSE: We developed an algorithm for the management of ureteral obstruction due to malignant extrinsic compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all ureteral stents placed for noncalculous reasons at our institution from January 1, 1990 to January 1, 2004. Further clinical information was gathered from 157 patients with malignant extrinsic ureteral compression. Failure was defined as recurrent ureteral obstruction or an inability to place stents cystoscopically. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients underwent retrograde ureteral stent attempt for malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction. Mean patient age was 54.7 years (range 23 to 83) and average followup was 13.6 months. Of our patients 61% were women, and the most common cancer diagnoses were ovarian cancer (in 26), lymphoma (17) and cervical cancer (16). A total of 24 patients required immediate percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) referral. There were 32 patients who experienced a late failure and required PCN (average 180 days after initial stent), and 83 patients in our series (52.9%) who experienced 110 major complications. Type of cancer did not predict need for PCN. However, when invasion into the bladder was noted on cystoscopy, 55.9% (19 of 34, p = 0.008) progressed to PCN referral. A total of 77 patients underwent stent replacement on average 2.8 times and with an interval of 95 days. CONCLUSIONS: In our series patients with malignant extrinsic ureteral compression presenting for ureteral stent(s) experienced a failure rate of 35.7% (56 of 157). Invasion at cystoscopy had a significant predictive value for progression to PCN. We present an algorithm on the management of extrinsic malignant ureteral obstruction.     

OPTIMAL METHOD OF URGENT DECOMPRESSION OF THE COLLECTING SYSTEM FOR OBSTRUCTION AND INFECTION DUE TO URETERAL CALCULI

Purpose

We compare the efficacy of percutaneous nephrostomy with retrograde ureteral catheterization for renal drainage in cases of obstruction and infection associated with ureteral calculi.

Materials and Methods

We randomized 42 consecutive patients presenting with obstructing ureteral calculi and clinical signs of infection (temperature greater than 38C and/or white blood count greater than 17,000/mm.³) to drainage with percutaneous nephrostomy or retrograde ureteral catheterization. Preoperative patient and stone characteristics, procedural parameters, clinical outcomes and costs were assessed for each group.

Results

Urine cultures obtained at drainage were positive in 69.9% of percutaneous nephrostomy and 19.1% of retrograde ureteral catheterization patients. There was no significant difference in the time to treatment between the 2 groups. Procedural and fluoroscopy times were significantly shorter in the retrograde ureteral catheterization (32.7 and 5.1 minutes, respectively) compared with the percutaneous nephrostomy (49.2 and 7.7 minutes, respectively) group. One treatment failure occurred in the percutaneous nephrostomy group, which was successfully salvaged with retrograde ureteral catheterization. Time to normal temperature was 2.3 days in the percutaneous nephrostomy and 2.6 in the retrograde ureteral catheterization group, and time to normal white blood count was 2 days in the percutaneous nephrostomy and 1.7 days in the retrograde ureteral catheterization group (p not significant). Length of stay was 4.5 days in the percutaneous nephrostomy group compared with 3.2 days in the retrograde ureteral catheterization group (p not significant). Cost analysis revealed that retrograde ureteral catheterization was twice as costly as percutaneous nephrostomy.

Conclusions

Retrograde ureteral catheterization and percutaneous nephrostomy effectively relieve obstruction and infection due to ureteral calculi. Neither modality demonstrated superiority in promoting a more rapid recovery after drainage. Percutaneous nephrostomy is less costly than retrograde ureteral catheterization. The decision of which mode of drainage to use may be based on logistical factors, surgeon preference and stone characteristics.     

Usefulness of short-term retrievable ureteral stent in pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty

PURPOSE: Methods of stenting after laparoscopic pyeloplasty have included indwelling Double-J stents and percutaneous nephrostomy tubes. The disadvantages of these methods are that they necessitate a second surgery for stent removal or require an external drainage bag. To circumvent these issues, the tolerance, safety and outcomes of using a Double-J ureteral stent with a dangler, permitting early office removal, was investigated in a series of pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from a consecutive series of pediatric patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasties were reviewed. Indications for surgery included ipsilateral flank pain with severe hydronephrosis (12 patients), recurrent pyelonephritis with severe hydronephrosis (2), and hematuria and flank pain (6). All patients were discharged home within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure with prophylactic oral antibiotics. The stent was removed by postoperative day 18 during a followup office visit. Patient tolerance of the indwelling stent, outpatient removal and success of pyeloplasty were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 1 surgeon (LAB) between 2001 and 2005. All patients underwent cystoscopy and retrograde Double-J ureteral stent placement before pyeloplasty under the same anesthesia. Mean patient age at operation was 11.3 years (median 11.3, range 4.6 to 17.2). Stents were left indwelling for a mean of 10.3 days (median 10, range 7 to 18). All patients tolerated the Double-J stent well, with 2 requiring anticholinergic therapy for mild urgency symptoms and 1 demonstrating urinary tract infection. All patients tolerated outpatient stent removal via the dangler at the office without discomfort. One patient was lost to followup. At a mean followup of 1.04 years (range 0.1 to 2.88) 17 of 19 patients (89%) had resolution of flank pain/urinary tract infections, with sonographic improvement in hydronephrosis with or without endoscopic intervention. Six patients (30%) had flank pain with or without continuous hydronephrosis and required re-stenting, and 3 also required balloon dilation. Of these 6 patients 2 (10%) had recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction and required open pyeloplasty. All patients are now clinically and radiologically unobstructed and asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty with indwelling Double-J ureteral stent with a dangler is successful and the stent is well tolerated. Whether the duration of ureteral stenting affects the surgical success will require further controlled long-term studies.     

Stent failure in the management of malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction: Risk factors

There is still controversy surrounding the indications for performing either a retrograde ureteral stent or percutaneous nephrostomy to manage malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction (MEUO). We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients who underwent a decompression of MEUO using retrograde ureteral stent. Ureteral stent failure occurred in 18 of 53 patients (34%). Multivariate analysis showed that gastrointestinal cancer as the primary disease, poor preoperative performance status and severe preoperative hydronephrosis were independent predictors of stent failure. Based on the present data, we propose an algorithm for the management of MEUO.     

金属支架管在解除恶性输尿管梗阻中的疗效评价

目的 评估金属支架管在解除恶性肿瘤所致输尿管梗阻中的临床疗效及影响因素分析.方法 回顾性分析2012年10月至2015年4月在本院留置金属支架管患者47例,根据治疗结果将47例患者分成成功组(n=39)与失败组(n=8),其中采用经尿道逆行留置金属支架管40例,经皮肾顺行留置金属支架管7例,通过术后并发症、血清肌酐、肾盂分离程度、支架管留置的时间及失败率来评估支架管的有效性,通过两组之间的比较分析性别、手术方式及恶性肿瘤类别与失败率之间的相关性.结果 47例患者共留置金属支架管54根,留置后输尿管梗阻解除率100％,患者支架相关并发症发生率为59％(28/47),失败率为17％ (8/47),术后并发症与失败发生率存在一定相关性,与性别、手术方式及恶性肿瘤类别无相关性(P＞0.05).平均随访时间为8个月,支架管平均留置时间为6个月左右,留置时间最长1年半.结论 金属支架管能有效的解除恶性肿瘤所致的输尿管梗阻并防止肾功能进一步恶化,是目前解除恶性输尿管梗阻的一种有效的治疗方案.     

Bilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to aneurysm of abdominal aorta: a case report]

A 66-year-old man with the chief complaint of oliguria had been referred to our hospital under the diagnosis of bilateral hydronephrosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm by his family doctor. CT scan and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated an abdominal aortic aneurysm continuing to bilateral internal iliac arteries. The degree of right hydronephrosis was less advanced compared to the left side. Right percutaneous nephrostomy was performed because the retrograde stenting was unsuccessful. After the renal function improved, an operation for the aneurysm was undertaken in the surgical department. Although bilateral ureterolysis was possible, the resection of the aneurysm could not be done. After clamping the nephrostomy catheter, drainage of urine into the ureter was not seen one month after the operation. A double-J ureteral stent was inserted by the antegrade approach and the nephrostomy tube was removed. By exchanging the stent every 3 months, the renal function has been stable and the size of the aneurysm unchanged during the 25 months after the surgery.     

金属输尿管支架管在肿瘤源性输尿管中下段梗阻中的应用(附15例报告)

目的 探讨金属输尿管支架管在肿瘤源性输尿管中下段梗阻中的临床应用价值.方法 15例肿瘤源性输尿管中下段梗阻患者均放置了金属输尿管支架管17根(其中2例放置双侧).12例经输尿管镜技术逆行放置,3例经皮肾穿刺技术顺行放置.结果 通过逆行及顺行方式放置成功率100%.均随访6个月至18个月,平均13个月.全组肾积水均不同程...     

上尿路结石合并尿脓毒血症的治疗

目的探讨上尿路结石合并尿脓毒血症的治疗方案。方法回顾2014年7月~2018年5月在我院确诊收治的43例上尿路结石合并尿脓毒血症患者的临床资料,43例患者均行积极抗感染治疗,同时,一期行经输尿管镜下逆行插管术或经皮肾穿刺造瘘术,以解除梗阻,待患者感染控制后,二期行经输尿管镜或经皮肾镜碎石术。结果一期行经输尿管镜下逆行插管术29例,单侧结石23例,双侧结石6例,均成功置入导管。不宜行经输尿管镜下逆行插管术或逆行插管术失败者,在B超定位下行经皮肾穿刺造瘘术,共14例。待感染控制、病情稳定后出院,出院1个月后,再二期行腔内微创手术处理结石,碎石成功41例,碎石率95.35%(41/43),2例患者术后行体外冲击波碎石治疗,出院后3个月随访,42例患者结石排净,结石排净率为97.67%(42/43),肾功能及肾积水程度明显改善,43例患者在整个治疗过程中未出现严重并发症。结论经输尿管镜下逆行插管术或经皮肾穿刺造瘘术联合腔内微创手术是治疗上尿路结石合并尿脓毒血症的一种安全、有效的方法。     

Die Duplex-Doppel-J-Schiene bei intrinsischen und extrinsischen Harnleiterengen

Background

Duplex or twin ureteral stenting has previously been described as a viable option for patients where single double-J ureteral stenting has failed in order to avoid nephrostomies or further surgical intervention. We assessed a series of 20 patients at our institution after unsuccessful primary single ureteral stenting where parallel ureteral stents were inserted.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2009, 20 patients underwent double-J ureteral stenting for ureteral compression or ureteral strictures. After failure of single stenting two ureteral stents were consecutively inserted into the ureter in a parallel fashion after dilating the ureter up to 14 F. The second stent was passed over a hydrophilic guidewire while holding the first stent secure to prevent dislocation.

Results

In all patients the insertion of two parallel stents was technically possible. In 8 of 12 patients with extrinsic tumor compression the stents provided sufficient drainage (67%). When the stricture was due to surgery or radiation two of three patients were successfully diverted with twin stents. In five patients with a ureteral stricture due to malignant disease the stenting did not provide sufficient drainage and a nephrostomy had to be placed after a mean duration of 19 days. Two of those patients were later managed with a pyelovesical bypass. Three patients were later managed with a ureterocystoneostomy (psoas hitch). In four of five patients with benign disease a long-term management was feasible. The patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis developed immediate hydronephrosis and severe flank pain and ultimately underwent an ileal ureter replacement. In three patients with a benign ureteral stenosis after stone therapy, hysterectomy, or colon ureter replacement, a temporary duplex stenting sufficiently resolved the hydronephrosis for spontaneous urine passage. In one patient the duplex stenting prevented a kidney stone from dislocating into the ureter during lithotripsy.

Conclusions

Duplex or twin (double) ureteral stenting is a valid option in selected patients to avoid the placement of a nephrostomy. Severe stenosis may however demand a nephrostomy insertion or more invasive procedures in the later course. For certain benign ureteral strictures a therapeutic dilating effect of the two ureteral stents that makes further intervention unnecessary can be discussed.     

Iatrogenic ureteral injury

We treated 27 patients with iatrogenic ureteral injuries during a 6-year period. Gynecological operations were the most common antecedent surgical procedures (52 per cent). The diagnosis of ureteral injury was made immediately in 4 patients and was delayed 1 to 34 days in 23. Three of the 4 injuries recognized during an operation were repaired successfully at the time of injury; the primary repair in the remaining patient leaked and ultimately resulted in a nephrectomy. In the delayed diagnosis group retrograde ureteral catheterization was successful in only 1 of 20 attempts. Of the 23 patients with injuries recognized in the postoperative period 11 were managed successfully with percutaneous nephrostomy (with or without stenting) alone, 3 required surgical repair after temporary percutaneous nephrostomy drainage, 4 were treated surgically without prior nephrostomy drainage and 1 had spontaneous resolution of hydronephrosis. The remaining 3 patients required nephrectomy: 1 because of a urinary fistula in a previously irradiated field, 1 because of a concomitant (ipsilateral) renal cell carcinoma and 1 because of renal hypertension. Percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteral stenting was successful as primary therapy in 73 per cent of the patients in whom it was used.     

不同引流术急诊处理输尿管结石梗阻合并尿脓毒血症的比较

目的比较2种不同引流术急诊处理输尿管结石梗阻合并脓毒血症的有效性及安全性。方法 2003年3月～2011年3月52例输尿管结石梗阻合并尿脓毒血症,27例采用输尿管镜直视下逆行置入双J管引流术(输尿管镜组),25例采用B超引导下经皮肾穿刺造瘘术治疗(经皮肾组)。结果输尿管镜组由6名不同级别术者完成,经皮肾组由2名高级别术者完成。输尿管镜组置管引流成功率(100%)明显高于经皮肾组(21/25,84.0%)(Fisher’s检验,P=0.047);2组术后尿脓毒血症控制时间无统计学差异[(6.5±1.2)d vs.(6.4±1.2)d,t=0.300,P=0.765];2组无输尿管穿孔、大出血及死亡等严重并发症。结论输尿管镜直视下逆行置入双J管引流术和经皮肾穿刺造瘘术均为急诊处理输尿管结石梗阻合并尿脓毒血症安全有效的方法;输尿管镜直视下逆行置入双J管引流术置管成功率更高;对于超声技术不熟练的术者和患肾轻度积水的患者,推荐首选输尿管镜手术。     

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.     

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.     

Obstructive uropathy in the transplanted kidney: definitive management with percutaneous nephrostomy and prolonged ureteral stenting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. Ureteral stenosis is the most frequent urologic complication. We report our experience with percutaneous nephrostomy and antegrade ureteral stenting, which may offer a primary and definitive alternative to open surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with renal allograft obstructive uropathy were managed with percutaneous nephrostomy and prolonged ureteral stenting. RESULTS: Percutaneous nephrostomies were successfully performed in all 15 kidneys: In 13 patients, antegrade ureteral stenting was attempted, this being successful in 11 (85%). After prolonged ureteral stenting (mean duration 15 months), the stent was removed in eight patients, and six of them (75%) did not have recurrences. During follow-up, urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium determinations and ultrasound scans were performed, and success was confirmed by the decline of creatinine and reduction in hydronephrosis. No major complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting is a safe and effective treatment for renal allograft obstructive uropathy. Prolonged ureteral stenting may offer a definitive treatment with low morbidity.     

Percutaneous nephrostomy versus the placement of double pigtail ureteral stent for the treatment of postrenal failure secondary to malignancies]

From August 1989 through September 1991 we performed percutaneous nephrostomy under ultrasonic guidance in 26 kidneys of 25 patients. We also indwelled double pigtail ureteral stents by endoscopy in 14 kidneys of 13 patients. No patients died because of renal failure. The survival was dependent on progression of primary disease and performance status. Neither significant nor life-threatening complications were encountered. The difference in the improvement of renal function between nephrostomy group and stent group was not statistically significant. Although the indwelling ureteral stent method requires no external drainage bag, this method has certain drawback such as occasional obstruction of stent. Especially in poor risk patients, percutaneous nephrostomy technique seems to be better than placement of double pigtail ureteral stent in the treatment of postrenal failure secondary to malignancies.     

Primary double pigtail stenting as a treatment of upper urinary tract leaks

During a 5-year period 21 consecutive patients with iatrogenic or traumatic upper urinary tract leaks (nonmalignant) underwent treatment 5 to 28 days later with an indwelling double pigtail stent via an antegrade or retrograde approach. Six patients underwent initial nephrostomy drainage for relief of obstruction causing decreased renal function and/or septicemia. Stent placement was successful in 20 patients and complete healing occurred within 2 to 7 weeks in all 20. At followup 2 to 32 months later (median 3 months) no stricture formation or deterioration of kidney function was noted. There were no major complications and 85% of the patients were able to leave the hospital without any form of external drainage within 1 week after stent placement.     

经皮肾通道顺行输尿管软/硬镜联合输尿管镜治疗恶性输尿管梗阻

目的探讨斜仰卧截石位经皮肾通道顺行输尿管软/硬镜联合输尿管镜置入双J管治疗输尿管支架管置入失败的恶性肿瘤致输尿管梗阻的安全性及临床效果。 方法回顾性收集并分析2016年10月至2019年1月我院收治的25例恶性肿瘤引起的输尿管梗阻患者的资料,上述患者均因常规逆行膀胱镜或输尿管镜置双J管失败,进而以斜仰卧截石位利用经皮肾通道顺行输尿管软/硬镜联合输尿管镜置入双J管。 结果25例患者（32侧输尿管梗阻）中,1例因肿瘤侵犯输尿管造成双侧输尿管管腔完全闭塞,双J管置入失败。其余24例均成功放置双J管（成功率93.7%）。手术时间平均（57.4±22.4）min,平均住院时间（5.5±1.9）d,术中无严重肾出血,无输尿管穿孔及撕脱。术后6~14 d拔除肾造瘘管,拔除肾造瘘管后随访12个月,肾积水缓解。 结论斜仰卧截石位皮肾通道顺行输尿管软/硬镜联合输尿管镜置入双J管治疗输尿管支架管置入失败的恶性肿瘤引起的输尿管梗阻安全、有效,值得临床推广。     

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.