Navigating the complexities of a forgotten double J stent

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Double-J (DJ) stents are common urological devices.
• Prolonged indwelling times increase the risk of serious complications.

Observation:

• A case of a woman in her 40s with a Double-J stent retained for 4 years is presented.
• The retained stent led to severe encrustations and the formation of bladder and renal stones.

Findings:

• The patient required a complex endourological procedure, including cystolithotomy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
• This case demonstrates the severe consequences of forgotten DJ stents.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical importance of timely stent removal to prevent urological stone disease and encrustations.
• Emphasizes the need for robust patient education, counseling, and potentially a stent registry to improve compliance and prevent complications from forgotten stents.
• Underscores the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex urological cases.