Life-threatening Double-J stent migration with helicoidal appearance: Length matters

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Double-J stents are widely used in urologic practice for managing various urinary tract conditions.
• Common complications include irritative symptoms, infection, and encrustation.
• Rare complications involve stent migration and displacement outside the urinary tract.

Observation:

• A 21-year-old female with a solitary kidney presented with acute renal failure, flank pain, and fever.
• She had undergone Double-J stenting one week prior for renal colic and anuria.
• Imaging revealed a ureteral stone and a proximally migrated Double-J stent with a helical appearance in the ureter.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare instance of Double-J stent downward migration.
• The migrated stent, along with a ureteral stone, caused acute renal failure in a patient with a solitary kidney.
• Surgical intervention to remove and replace the stent successfully resolved the complication.

Implications:

• Double-J stent placement, while common, carries risks of serious complications, including life-threatening ones.
• This case underscores the importance of regular stent follow-up and prompt evaluation of patient symptoms.
• Aggressive management of stent-related complications is crucial for favorable patient outcomes.