[Ureteral stent reinforced with a spiral--an alternative to internal drainage of urine]

Internal urinary diversion of chronic ureteral obstruction is not sufficient in up to 60% of the cases. Factors for this high failure rate are tumor compression, catheter kinking or a small stent lumen. To prevent such problems we have developed a new ureteral stent which is stable in form in spite of a large stent lumen. This catheter is made of a thin polyurethane tube which is supported by a built-in metallic spiral wire. We have used this stent in 16 cases of chronic ureteral obstruction. Stent placement was successful in 14 cases. Other than urinary tract infection in two cases, bladder urgency in one case and stent dislocation in another case there were no complications. Hydronephrosis disappeared soon after stent application in 12 out of 14 cases. In the remaining two cases hydronephrosis was decreased, but not totally eliminated. Catheters were left in place for an average of 6.5 weeks (2.5-8.5). A change of catheter due to catheter blockage was necessary only in one case. In conclusion, this spiral reinforced stent enables a better internal urinary drainage especially in cases of malignant ureteral obstruction.