Forgotten long-term indwelling double "J" stent.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology

Background:

• A patient with a history of pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction surgery presented with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract issues.
• The patient had a double "J" (DJ) stent placed during the initial surgery four years prior, which was not removed due to irregular follow-up.

Observation:

• The patient reported burning micturition and colicky loin pain.
• Imaging revealed mild hydronephrosis of the right kidney and a small bladder calculus.
• The indwelling DJ stent was noted to be in situ in the right kidney.

Findings:

• Initial attempts to remove the DJ stent via cystoscopy were unsuccessful.
• The long-term retained DJ stent was successfully removed using a suprapubic cystostomy procedure.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was discharged within seven days.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential complications of retained indwelling ureteral stents, including infection and obstruction.
• It underscores the importance of regular patient follow-up for timely stent removal after urological procedures.
• Suprapubic cystostomy can be an effective alternative for removing retained stents when less invasive methods fail.