Endourological Management of Encrusted Ureteral Stents

Abstract

Ureteral stents are an integral tool in urology. However, despite their merits, they can be associated with many adverse sequelae such as discomfort, migration and encrustation. The latter can be a particularly difficult clinical scenario for the clinician to manage. Fortunately, advances in minimally invasive methods have resulted in nearly all cases being able to be successfully managed using such techniques. Often, this can be achieved in a single operative session. Adopting a multidisciplinary and methodical strategy for its management is paramount for achieving the safest outcome for the patient. At the same time, clinicians should maintain awareness for those patients who are high risk for developing this problem. This chapter provides an overview of the assessment, planning and treatment for such cases.