Occlusive effect of metallic stents on canine ureters

A three-part study, with successive modifications based on preceding results, was conducted to evaluate ureteral placement of metallic stents. Gianturco self-expanding (10 mm and 4 mm diameter) and balloon-expanded (4 mm diameter) metallic stents were placed in normal and stenotic canine ureters. No migration or ureteral perforation occurred during the follow-up of 10 mm stents. Varying degrees of hydronephrosis and hydroureter were found on all 1-week pyelograms. At 4 weeks, complete occlusion of the stented ureter was noted in all cases because of mucosal hyperplasia around the stent wires. To prevent this reaction, 4 mm self-expanding stents constructed of smaller wire that was uncoated or coated with either Teflon or polyurethane were tested in five dogs. In all cases, results were similar to those obtained with the larger prostheses. Finally, 4 mm balloon-expanded stents were placed in a normal ureter of three dogs. In one dog, the stent migrated out of the ureter. No migration or ureteral perforation occurred in the two remaining dogs. In these animals, mucosal hyperplasia and complete ureteral occlusion occurred 6 and 8 weeks after placement. Therefore, ureteral placement of Gianturco self-expanding as well as balloon-expanded metallic stents leads to occlusion of the ureter instead of maintaining its patency. Stents, therefore, may be useful as ureteral occlusion devices.