Forgotten ureteral double-J stents and related complications: a real-world experience

Abstract

Background: Double-J (DJ) stents are among the basic and commonly used tools in urology. The DJ stent generally needs to be replaced or removed within 6 weeks to 6 months to avoid complications like encrustations, stone formation, fractures and blockades of stents. However, in many cases the stent is forgotten. In this retrospective study, we report our experience in the management of forgotten stents and steps taken by us in preventing DJ stent-related morbidity. Results: Of the total of 30 patients, 80% (n = 24) underwent previous procedures in other hospitals and the remaining 20% (n = 6) were from our hospital. The mean age of the patients was 56.66 years. The mean duration of the indwelling stent in situ was 13.83 months. The indications of indwelling stents included ureteroscopic lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Presenting complaints for which patients visited hospital were flank pain (n = 10; 33.33%), dysuria (n = 9; 30%), hematuria (n = 3, 10%) and fever (n = 2; 6.66%). Conclusion: Forgotten DJ stents can be a source of severe morbidity. Patients' and relatives' educational level and counseling before and after the procedure may play a significant role in reducing stent-related complications.

A long forgotten ureteral stent for 13 years post renal transplantation

“…Furthermore, DJ stent can have many other complications such as obstruction, insufficient drainage, stone formation and migration. 5 In our case, the double J catheter was kept in place for 13 years, interestingly there was no encrustation, and it was removed easily without breaking down. The only complication discovered in this patient is migration of the catheter down to upper ureter, we do not know when this happen.…”

A rare case of double J stent migration in the kidney

“…The indications for stent insertion have increased and the patients presenting with complications of stent have become more frequent. 1 , 2 The complication in our case was propagation of the double J stent in the kidney.…”

A forgotten double-J ureteral stent resulting in an emphysematous perinephric abscess

“…However, recurrent UTI was less common (26.7%). [ 10 ] Our patient seems to have overlooked the persistence of these nonspecific urinary symptoms and lacked medical awareness about DJS management. Thus, patients with an indwelling ureteral stent should be closely followed for systematic stent management and potential stent-related urinary complications in consideration of their socioeconomic status, education level, and compliance with urologic intervention.…”