Complications of Indwelling Double-J Ureteral Stents

Seo, Kyeng Keun; Oh, Chung Hwan; Moon, Young Tae

Abstract

The silicone rubber double-J ureteral catheter has been popularized as an ideal internal ureteral stent for temporary or permanent urinary diversion and generally is considered to be free of side effects. We review our use of the double-J ureteral stent in 42 patients during a recent 2-year period. 1. Of 42 patients evaluated, the complicated urologic symptoms were revealed ; frequency in 15 ( 35.7% ) patients, lower abdominal pain in 15, flank pain in 10, gross hematuria in 9, nocturia in 8, dysuria in 7, nausea in 2, fever in 1 and urinary debris in 1. The early removal of stent was required in 5 (11.9% ) patients because of severe vesical irritability. 2. Of 31 patients whom indwelled stent less than 6 months, encrustation was occurred in one patient but stent fracture, encrustation and bladder stone formation were developed in 8 (72.7 %) among 11 patients whom kept more than 6 months. Therefore, despite the undoubted benefit in many patients, troublesome symptoms were common. We recommend that a shorter period of double-J stenting or more frequent catheter changes than 6 months may prevent stent fracture, encrustation and bladder stone formation.