Complications of double pigtail stents after various urologic procedures and ways to reduce these complications

Abstract

Objective: To identify complications of the use of stent after various urological problems and try to demonstrate ways to decrease these complications. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 120 patients, 80 males and 40 females ranged in age from 20 years to 68 years with an age of 44.5 ± 11.2 years. All patients were fully investigated prior to surgery. All patients underwent placement of a pigtail ureteric stent after procedures and were followed up postoperatively for symptom evaluation. Results: The indication for stent was hydronephrosis in 48 patients’ post‑ureteroscopy in 52 patients and post‑ESWL in 20 patients. Symptom frequency for stent was recorded at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month immediately before stent removal and one month after stent removal. The difference between the prevalence of symptoms, pain and UTI associated with ureteric stent compared to post‑stented status reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Because of symptoms and pain associated with ureteric stent the work and general activity of patients were affected. Fifteen male patients (12.5%) could not return to work; five housewives (4.17%) found difficulty with home activities; and three students (2.5%) could not return to college. Out of 40 active patients of both genders, only 12 (10%) males reported an impairment in sexual function in the form of decreased libido, rapid and painful ejaculation. Before stent extraction urinary tract was. Showed encrustations in 16 (13.34%) patients. The stent indwelling time for those patients ranged between 3 months and 6 months with a mean of 4.5 months. Conclusion: Proper selection of patients in need of stent fixation is an important factor to decrease complications of ureteric stent. Using drugs and analgesics are effective, in decreasing irritative bladder symptoms. Also using alfuzosin 10 mg once daily improves function and general health.