[The use of the double-J catheter as urinary obstruction prophylaxis in lithiasis]

Our experience in the use of the double-J catheter in the prevention and treatment of urinary obstruction in stone disease is presented. This retrospective study spans the period January, 1985 to June 1989. Fifty-five double-J catheters were placed in 51 patients (catheter replacement was required in 4). Catheter placement was done antegradely in 17, retrogradely in 34 and intraoperatively in 4 cases. The indications were for treatment post-ESWL in 45 patients, stone remnants following percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 1, post-ureteroscopy in 2, and after open surgery in 2 patients. Complications were observed in 24% of the cases, hematuria being the most common complication. The foregoing agrees with the 20-40% complication rate reported in the literature. Thus, we can conclude that the double-J catheter is well-tolerated and is a simple yet useful endourologic tool in the prevention and treatment of urinary obstruction in stone disease.