[The fate of ureteral endoprostheses]

Fifty-five pyelovesical endoprostheses were inserted percutaneously in 56 patients. The indication for this procedure was a benign disease in 22 cases and a malignant disease in 34 cases. Early complications were haemorrhagic (3 haematomas) and infectious (septicaemic syndrome: 2 cases). 80.6% of the stents remained patent and most of the obstructions occurred before the second month in the benign indications (mean: 4.1 weeks) and later (mean: 13 weeks) in the malignant indications. Two-stage insertion (nephrostomy then insertion of the endoprosthesis under conditions of sterile and non-haemorrhagic urine) decreased the risk of early occlusion of the stent by urinary debris and clots. Abundant diuresis and control of urinary tract infection by prophylactic antiseptic treatment contribute to the maintenance of the patency of the prosthesis.