The Open Approach to Severe Stent Encrustation: A Consecutive Case Series

Urologists rely heavily on indwelling ureteral stents to manage urinary tract obstruction secondary to calculi, malignancy, stricture, congenital anomalies, or edematous response to operative procedures (Borboroglu and Kane, 2000). The use of a ureteral stent is a temporary intervention and requires removal to prevent potential complications. However, patient noncompliance with follow-up may lead to encrustation of the ureteral stent. Given the widespread use of indwelling ureteral stents in urologic practice, the issue of encrustation secondary to a retained stent is a significant clinical challenge.