Lethal complications of standard self-retaining ureteral stents in patients with ileal conduit urinary diversion.

While standard commercially available pigtail ureteral stents are used commonly in the obstructed patient, particularly when metastatic disease has been identified, our recent experience suggests caution in the use of such stents for patients with ileal conduits. Rapid obstruction of these stents occurs with unacceptable frequency, which has resulted in urosepsis and death, and they do not appear to be cost-effective even for palliation. Although these standard pigtail stents have physical properties that allow easy placement by angiographic wire guidance, they are not to be recommended. Safe internal ureteral diversion in patients with an ileal conduit awaits further evolution in stent technology.

Duke Scholars

Author Philip John Walther Urology

Author Cary Nobles Robertson Urology

Author David Freeman Paulson Urology