Multicenter Experience with Metallic Ureteral Stents for Malignant and Chronic Benign Ureteral Obstruction

Abstract

Metallic stents are a viable alternative to nephrostomy tubes in patients in whom conventional stents fail because of malignant obstruction, but patients need to be followed closely. Stent encrustation that resulted in retained stents was poorly visualized on plain radiography. Patients still remain at risk for obstruction, urinary tract infections, and lower urinary tract symptoms from the metallic stent.