Forgotten Double J Ureteral Stent for 10 years: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Ureteral stents are a crucial part of urologic surgeries. Complications of Double J stenting (DJS) include migration, fragmentation, and encrustation. In addition, forgotten stents with encrustations and stone formations are difficult to remove. Case Presentation: We report the case of a stent “forgotten” for 10 years, which migrated downward into the proximal ureter, concomitant with multiple ureteral stones and bladder calculus. Whole encrustation of the stent was observed. The “forgotten” stent was positioned 10 years ago during right ureteral stone treatment in the Philippines. In the end, the patient underwent laser cystolithotripsy, stone elimination, ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and stent removal. The final X-ray post-intervention revealed the absence of any stone fragment or residual DJS fragment. Conclusion: We report the longest period of forgotten DJS with maximum stone burden in the urinary system. To avoid this situation, patients should be educated regarding complications if the stent is not removed within a short period. Moreover, a computerized registry of stent placement can be used to alert the urologist when the stent ought to be removed.