Local prototype self-retaining ureteral stent designed from a polyvinyl tube: an animal study

ABSTRACT

The self-retaining ureteral stent has evolved to be an invaluable tool in the urologists armamentarium. Its high cost and occasional unavailability led to the innovative idea of designing a local prototype. The Fr 5 feeding tube (polyvinyl chloride) was fashioned into a self-retaining stent by utilizing the inherent property of this thermoplastic. Eight male dogs were divided into 2 groups one group was stented for three weeks, while the other for six weeks. The prototype stents were placed at the right while silicone stents at the left ureters. Ureteral tissue reactions and tensile strengths of these stents were evaluated. Results showed that tissue reactions were more prominent on those stented with the prototype stents. However, the difference was not statistically significant.