[Wall stents for treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction]

Self-expanding metallic stents (Wallstents) were implanted in 44 ureters in 31 patients suffering from malignant ureteral obstruction. The causes of obstruction were lymph node metastases or primary tumors of the pelvis. During the first 4 weeks, reversible thickening of the mucosa occurred. After 4 to 6 weeks, the stents were incorporated into the wall of the ureter. In a follow-up period from 1 to 27 months, tumor-associated hydronephrosis was prevented in all patients by implantation of the Wallstents.