Abstract
Introduction
Double J (DJ) stents serve as a therapeutic option to relieve obstruction. However,
incrustation can be an important cause of dysfunction of these stents. We investigated
the relationship between incrustation of DJ stents and indwelling time using a grading
system for luminal occlusion.
Methods
The medical records of 42 patients with urolithiasis related to DJ stent incrustation
were retrospectively reviewed. All polyurethane DJ stents were examined for severity
of incrustation with a grading system based on the occlusion of stent lumen. For the
level of grades 3 groups of patients were compared: group 1 included 14 patients whose
stents were removed a month after insertion; group 2 included 16 patients whose stents
were removed 45 days after insertion; group 3 included 12 patients whose stents were
removed 3 months after insertion.
Results
The incrustation of 42 DJ stents was graded from 1 to 3 depending on the occlusion
of the DJ stent. Mean age of patients was 39.6±6.71 years and median indwelling time
was 50 days. The groups were similar regarding age, sex, and side of DJ stent. In
comparison, the grade of incrustation in group 3 was higher than the grades in group
1 and group 2 (p=0.001).
Conclusion
Incrustation is one of the most important complications of DJ stents, and was related
to indwelling time. Therefore, close follow-up and frequent DJ stent changes are very
important in patients with urolithiasis.
Key words
double J stent - encrustation - obstruction - ureter - incrustation
