Fluoroscopically guided transurethral removal and/or replacement of ureteric stents in women

Background: Traditionally double J ureteric stents have been removed and replaced via cystoscopy. Fluoroscopically guided procedures for the removal/replacement of stents using endovascular snare devices have previously been described as a successful alternative.

Purpose: To evaluate the technical and clinical success of fluoroscopically guided transurethral removal and/or replacement of ureteric stents in women. To assess radiation dose and screening time associated with this approach.

Material and methods: A 31-month retrospective review of all ureteric stent removals and/or replacements under fluoroscopic guidance performed in a university hospital radiology department.

Results: One hundred and fourteen procedures were performed in 83 patients. Thirty ureteric stents were removed and 84 ureteric stents were replaced. The majority of patients required stents for urinary tract obstruction secondary to malignancy (78.3%). Overall technical and clinical success rates (defined respectively as satisfactory removal/replacement and drainage of the collecting system) of 98.2% were attained. Mean screening time was 13.9 min (range, 1.0-67.6 min). Effective radiation dose was in the range of 0.69-132 mSv with a mean of 11.18 mSv equating to the dose of a contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen/pelvis.

Conclusion: Transurethral ureteric stent removal and replacement under fluoroscopic guidance is highly successful, well tolerated by patients with acceptable radiation exposure, and can obviate the need for cystoscopic retrieval.