value of radiology in the diagnosis and management of indwelling ureteric catheter encrustation

ABSTRACT

To stress the value of radiology in the diagnosis and management of encrustations forming on indwelling double-J ureteric stents introduced prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL]. King Fahd Military Medical Complex; Dhahran Radiology and Urology Departments. All patients in whom there were difficulties with stent removal after lithotripsy. Seven of 40 patients [17.5%] developed encrustation, five on the lower J of the stent and two at both ends Fluoroscopy was done in all patients in whom there was difficulty with stent removal to assess mobility and confirm the site of possible encrustation. Plain abdominal radiography and tomography were helpful in showing opaque encrustation while excretory urography was needed for radiolucent ones. Ureteric stenting is used during ESWL to allow easy passage of stone fragments and facilitate internal drainage of urine. Encrustation may develop on stents and cause obstruction or difficulty to removal. Radiology helped in the early diagnosis of encrustation and its further management