An uncommon application of shock wave lithotripsy: encrusted double pigtail ureteral stent

A 70-year-old man was referred to our clinic for removal of a retained encrusted pigtail ureteral stent. Previously, in another institution they tried to remove the stent but it was broken and the intravenous pyelography(IVP) showed that the piece of the stent was located in the left renal pelvis. The retained stent was tried to be removed by rigid ureteroscopy (as the flexible was damaged at that occasion) but we were unsuccessful. Before attempting a more invasive procedure we tried extra corporal shock wave lithotripsy, (ESWL) to fragment the encrusted double-J and enable the patient to pass fragments from the ureter. After two sessions the stent was completely disintegrated and the patient passed all of the fragments easily to become stent-free after 2 months.