Bacterial colonization of double J stents and bacteriuria frequency

Stents and catheters are widely used in urology. In this study, the frequency of double J (DJ) stent colonization and stent-associated bacteriuria was investigated. Between June 2011 and June 2012, 130 patients (17-72 years old) who underwent DJ stenting were enrolled in the study. Surgeries prior to stenting included stone extraction/lithotripsy, endopyelotomy, and diagnostic ureteroscopy. Prior to stenting, sterile urine samples were obtained, and urinary cultures were performed upon removal of the DJ stents, the second procedure. DJ stent cultures were also performed. Sixty-three stents were inserted into the right ureter and 67 into the left ureter of the patients. Cultures showed bacterial colonization in 10 (7.7%) cases. There was no significant association between positive stent culture and patient age, sex, or stent laterality. The rate of colonization was 2.2%, 2.9%, and 25% when indwelling time was less than 4 weeks, 4-6 weeks, and more than 6 weeks, respectively. In the present study, the rate of infection associated with a DJ stent and urinary infection was not very high. However, bacterial colonization increases significantly with indwelling time of the stent, and sterile culture of urine does not rule out colonization of the stent. Bacteriological investigation showed very low rates of colonization within 6 weeks after the insertion of stents, indicating that ureteral stents can be used safely within that time period.