[Experience with Domestic local Nitinol Stents in Patients with Benign Ureteral Obstruction]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraluminal nitinol ureteral stents ("MIT", Russia) in patients with benign ureteral strictures who experience a significant decline in their quality of life due to standard drainage systems and have contraindications to radical surgical treatment.

Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 27 MIT nitinol stents were implanted in 25 patients with benign ureteral obstruction. In the first stage, all the patients underwent an endoscopic assessment of the stricture determining its length, followed by a temporary placement of a double J stent. In the second stage, an intraluminal stent was implanted. The effectiveness was evaluated based on technical and clinical success, as well as changes in quality of life assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

The mean operative time was 35 [30; 41] minutes. Technical success was achieved in 92% of the patients. A significant improvement in quality of life was observed in most patients, with the median VAS score increasing from 21 [20; 26] to 86 [77; 90] points 3 months after the implantation. Mild stent-related symptoms persisted in 6 patients. Additional interventions were required in 6 patients (8 interventions). In 4 cases, stent encrustations had to be removed endoscopically; in 2 cases, endoscopic correction of stent position was performed; in 2 cases, additional drainage was required due to mucosal hyperplasia at the contact points of the stent ends.

Intraluminal nitinol stents demonstrate high clinical efficacy and may serve as a viable alternative to standard drainage systems in patients who are not candidates for reconstructive surgery. Their use is associated with fewer side effects and a significant improvement in quality of life. However, stent implantation carries a risk of complications such as encrustation, migration, and mucosal hyperplasia. Therefore, careful patient selection, adherence to technical standards of implantation, and regular follow-up are essential.

The introduction of MIT nitinol ureteral stents into clinical practice shows promising results in patients with benign ureteral strictures. Further studies involving larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to refine indications and optimize patient management strategies.