Retrograde ureteral stent exchange under fluoroscopic guidance

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Ureteral double-J stents are crucial for managing urinary tract obstructions.
• Stent exchange is a common procedure, but minimally invasive techniques are continually sought.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided retrograde double-J stent exchange.
• To assess the feasibility of this technique in an outpatient setting.

Main Methods:

• 39 retrograde ureteral stent exchanges were performed on 24 ureters in 19 patients under fluoroscopic guidance.
• Procedures utilized 10 F introducer sheaths and various snaring techniques for stent retrieval.
• Parallel stents were placed in select cases with a history of rapid occlusion.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 100% technical success rate for all stent exchanges.
• Average procedure time was 21 minutes (range 16-38 minutes).
• No major complications were reported; only minor, transient hematuria occurred.

Conclusions:

• Fluoroscopy-guided retrograde double-J stent exchange is a safe and effective procedure.
• The technique is easily performed using standard interventional equipment.
• This method offers a reliable option for outpatient ureteral stent management.