Complications of Ureteral Stenting: A Case of Extrarenal Displacement

BACKGROUND Insertion of a ureteric double-J stent is the main treatment for obstruction of the ureter when conservative treatment fails, but stent migration is a recognized complication. This report presents the case of a 54-year-old woman with a history of left upper-ureteric calculus, and hydronephrosis managed with holmium laser lithotripsy and insertion of a double-J stent, who presented with extra-renal stent migration. CASE REPORT A 54-year-old woman was hospitalized 1 day after onset of left low back pain and diagnosed with left upper-ureteral calculi with hydronephrosis and urinary tract infection. After anti-infection treatment, ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy was performed and ureteral stents were implanted along zebra guide wires. However, intraoperative ureteroscopy of the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis did not reveal ureteral stents. Bedside X-ray examination and routine computed tomography (CT) examination confirmed complete ectopic extra-renal placement of the double-J stent. A normal ureteral stent was removed 4 weeks after surgery, and a double-J stent was removed laparoscopically outside the kidney. During the operation, there was mild adhesion around the ectopic double-J stent. After removing the ureteral stent, the patient recovered well and was discharged. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the importance of patient follow-up after inserting a ureteral stent, as stent migration can be an early or late complication.