Long-term results of permanent indwelling wallstents for benign mid-ureteral strictures

BACKGROUND: Benign ureteral strictures are a potentially difficult problem that typically has been solved by open surgery. However, minimally invasive methods would be preferable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients with benign ureteral strictures were treated with endoscopic placement of self-expanding permanent indwelling stents (Wallstents). The etiologies of the obstruction were multifactorial and included retroperitoneal fibrosis, stones, traumatic ureteroscopy, ureteral ischemia, and previous open surgery. RESULTS: One patient died with a functioning stent 1 year, 7 months after placement. The other two patients are doing well 5 years, 2 months and 5 years, 11 months afterward (mean 51 months). CONCLUSION: Insertion of a permanent indwelling self-expanding ureteral stent is relatively easy, and long-term successes are documented. Placement of Wallstents for benign ureteral strictures should be considered as a treatment alternative.