Endourological management of severely encrusted ureteral stents.
BACKGROUND
Encrustion of ureteral stents is a well-known phenomenon which can be treated easily if recognized promptly. Severe encrustation, however, which leads to renal impairment, presents a challenge in management.


METHODS
Four patients with encrusted stents were referred to our institution for management. All had impaired function of the affected kidney. Each was managed by either retrograde ureteroscopy or a combination of percutaneous and ureteroscopic procedures.


RESULTS
All four of the patients were rendered stone free following an average of 2.5 (range 1-3) procedures. Renal function improved in all patients postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Encrustation is a potentially serious complication of the use of ureteral stents, as it can lead to renal impairment. Timely endourologic intervention can result in recovery of renal function.
Mohan-Pillai
K
K
Scottish Lithotriptor Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Keeley
F X
FX
Moussa
S A
SA
Smith
G
G
Tolley
D A
DA
D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014567:Urography