A Novel Visual Grading for Ureteral Encrusted Stent Classification to Help Decide the Endourologic Treatment

Can we predict the incidence of high-grade Clavien-Dindo complications in patients with forgotten encrusted stents undergoing endourologic management?

“…Previously reported grading systems include the Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder score and Forgotten, Encrusted, Calcified score, predicting stent- and stone-free status. Despite the anecdotal evidence, a standardized and validated scoring system has not yet been developed [ 21 , 22 ]. Our study demonstrated “stent load” involving the indwelling time, size of the upper coil encrustation, and laterality.…”

Will the advances in retrograde intrarenal surgery extinguish percutaneous nephrolithotomy for stones larger than 2 cm?

“…Also, “forgotten stent” can develop into severe encrustation ( 26 ) and its removal may require refined management planning and advanced surgical techniques ( 27 , 28 ). Strategies to prevent such problem include stent judicious use and the implementation of modern technology to keep track of stented patients ( 29 , 30 ).…”

Endourological Management of Encrusted Ureteral Stents

“…It further helps to counsel the patient and manage expectations. More recently, the Visual Grading for Ureteral Encrusted Stent (V-GUES) has been developed [22]. If a patient attends for routine removal of ureteral stent under local anaesthetic (LA) and resistance is encountered, it should be abandoned and an up-to-date imaging organised.…”