Urologic stenting-induced trauma: a comprehensive review and case series

To characterize traumatic injuries secondary to ureteral stent manipulation and analyze factors associated with their occurrence.

We performed a comprehensive retrospective review of the literature and of our institutional records for occurrences of iatrogenic injury because of retrograde ureteral stent procedures.

Overall, 22 cases were identified, including 3 cases at our institution. Most injuries involved a major artery (52%) or vein (30%), with the remainder (17%) limited to the genitourinary tract. Associated factors included: hydronephrosis, pelvic malignancy, indwelling or chronic ureteral stents, chemoradiation, and urinary diversion.

Ureteral stenting-induced trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. Recognition of the risk factors that predispose patients to iatrogenic stent trauma may help to prevent such injuries or, alternatively, it may facilitate their prompt diagnosis and treatment.