[Prospective study of the treatment of localised ureteric strictures by wire mesh stent]

To assess efficacy of Mémotherm BARD ureteral metallic stent in the treatment of non-operable ureteral stenoses.

Prospective evaluation of ureteral stenoses consecutively treated using Mémotherm BARD ureteral metallic stent. Assessment criteria (recurrence frequency, permeability, tolerance, complications) were measured by clinical examination, Intra Veinous Pyelography, renal sonography, urine culture at 1, and every 3 months.

Thirteen stents were inserted in 12 patients (mean age: 68 yrs) presenting with subsequent ureteral stenosis (9 neoplastic, 3 following radiotherapy) over a 3 year period. No technical difficulty was observed. Mean follow-up was 19 months. Stenosis recurrence was observed in 5 patients, due to tumoural progression, but with no tumour in-growth. There was non incrustation or migration, pain, hematuria, infection due to the stent. All stent remained permeable and functional in surviving patients.

In our experience, Mémotherm BARD ureteral metallic stent could be considered a useful cost-effective alternative to double J stent or traditional surgery in non-operable or end-of-life patients. The high ureteral stenosis recurrence rate was linked to the patient initial pathology. Considering these encouraging results, this study could represent the first stage of a multicenter tracker-study, which would permit to take into account further technological development of this type of material.