An in vitro comparison of urease-induced encrustation of JJ stents in human urine.
OBJECTIVE
To report the results of a comparative study of in vitro encrustation of five different types of JJ stents in human urine.


METHODS
Samples of five JJ stents (polyurethane, silicone, Percuflex, C-Flex and hydrogel-coated C-Flex) were immersed for 24 h at 37 degrees C in fresh human urine supplemented with urease, and the surface photographed and dried. The crystals formed on the stents were dissolved in hydrochloric acid and the calcium and magnesium concentrations determined.


RESULTS
Large crystals were deposited on the surface of the hydrogel-coated C-Flex stent and significantly higher levels of calcium and magnesium salts were obtained after acidic dissolution. There were no differences in crystal deposition among the remaining stents.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrogel-coated stents have an higher risk of becoming encrusted in vitro than do uncoated stents made of the same substrate polymer or made of different materials. These results emphasize the need for the regular follow-up of patients with hydrophilic stents in place.
Desgrandchamps
F
F
Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.
Moulinier
F
F
Daudon
M
M
Teillac
P
P
Le Duc
A
A
D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D015607:Stents; D014510:Urease / Q000378:metabolism*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization; D014556:Urine
D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D014510:Urease