Role of double pigtail stent in ureteric stone retrieval following unsuccessful ureteroscopy

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the role of indwelling pigtail stent in successful uretic stone retrieval by second ureterosocopy when first ureterscopy failed. Over a period of 44 months, initial ureteroscopy failed in 41 patients. out of them, 32 patients had gigtail stent inserted and 9 were left without any stent. The group with stent, passed stone spontaneously or had stone retrieval on second ureteroscopy in 84% cases compared with 22% unstented cases, Uretero-lithotomy was done in 5 patients [16%] with stent and 7 cases [78%] without stent, It is concluded that following failed ureteroscopy, insertion of double pigtail stent results in higher subsequent successful ureteroscopic stone removal or spontaneous passage with a lower rate of consequent ureterolithotomy