A simple two-stage "bailout" technique for the removal of an unyielding ureteric stent

To describe a simple technique that can be used to manage an unexpected mildly to moderately (<10 mm) encrusted ureteric stent with consummate ease when time, equipment, or experience are unavailable.

We present a series of 5 patients with impacted ureteric stents that were difficult to remove owing to presumed encrustation of the upper end. The indwelling time for the stent ranged from 8 to 16 weeks. All 5 patients were managed by insertion of a second ureteric stent alongside the original one.

The encrusted stents were successfully retrieved in all 5 patients at a subsequent visit after the insertion of the second stent, without the need for further specialist equipment or expertise.

Insertion of a second stent next to an unyielding, encrusted ureteric stent is a safe, simple, and effective technique to aid in its retrieval. We propose that it should be considered in select patients where encrustation is unexpected and an experienced endourologist is unavailable.