[Double catheter J: ultrasound guided placement, experience initial.]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Ureteral catheters (double J catheters) are crucial for upper urinary tract drainage, preventing or relieving ureteral obstruction.
• Standard double J catheter placement relies on fluoroscopy, with ultrasound typically reserved for pregnant patients to avoid radiation.
• Ultrasound presents a potential alternative for visualizing and guiding ureteral catheter placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ultrasound-guided double J catheter placement as an alternative to fluoroscopy for ureteral obstructions.
• To assess secondary outcomes including pain intensity and procedural complications.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive, prospective study was conducted.
• 41 patients presenting to a lithiasis consultation underwent ultrasound-guided double J catheter placement.

Main Results:

• Successful placement was achieved in 35 out of 41 patients (85.4%).
• Complications occurred in 17% of cases, including Grade I back pain (4.9%), Grade II lower urinary tract symptoms and infections (7.2%), and Grade IIIa malposition (4.9%).
• The average patient age was 41 years, with an average stone size of 10.41mm.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided ureteral catheter placement is a viable and safe technique.
• The procedure is associated with manageable complications and fits within standard procedural times.
• This method offers a useful alternative for managing ureteral obstructions, particularly in radiation-sensitive populations.