Fluoroscopically-guided retrieval of ureteric stents

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Device Retrieval

Background:

• Ureteric stents are crucial for urinary tract drainage but can become dysfunctional.
• Retrieval of retained or dysfunctional ureteric stents can be challenging.
• Percutaneous techniques offer an alternative to open procedures for stent removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technical aspects of percutaneous fluoroscopically-guided ureteric stent retrieval.
• To evaluate the efficacy of rigid forceps for removing dysfunctional ureteric stents.
• To present outcomes from a series of ureteric stent retrieval procedures.

Main Methods:

• Percutaneous retrieval of seven dysfunctional ureteric stents.
• Guidance by fluoroscopy throughout the procedure.
• Utilized rigid forceps as the primary retrieval instrument.
• Procedure performed in five patients over an 18-month period.

Main Results:

• Successful retrieval of all seven dysfunctional ureteric stents.
• The percutaneous approach was technically feasible.
• Rigid forceps demonstrated effectiveness in device removal.
• No immediate complications were reported in the abstract.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous fluoroscopically-guided retrieval is a viable option for dysfunctional ureteric stents.
• Rigid forceps represent a preferred method for this retrieval.
• This technique can be safely and effectively employed in selected patients.