Endourological management of severely encrusted ureteral stents.

BACKGROUND: Encrustion of ureteral stents is a well-known phenomenon which can be treated easily if recognized promptly. Severe encrustation, however, which leads to renal impairment, presents a challenge in management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients with encrusted stents were referred to our institution for management. All had impaired function of the affected kidney. Each was managed by either retrograde ureteroscopy or a combination of percutaneous and ureteroscopic procedures. RESULTS: All four of the patients were rendered stone free following an average of 2.5 (range 1-3) procedures. Renal function improved in all patients postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Encrustation is a potentially serious complication of the use of ureteral stents, as it can lead to renal impairment. Timely endourologic intervention can result in recovery of renal function.