Double-J ureteral stents are widely used to maintain urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder, but stent migration remains a significant complication. This review examines all aspects of double-J stent migration—from causes and incidence to clinical presentation, management, and prevention—based on clinical studies from the past five years. Overall incidence is low, but certain scenarios (orthotopic neobladders, transplant ureters, and metallic stents) carry substantially higher risk. Key risk factors include improper stent length, severe hydronephrosis, and suboptimal placement. Migration can be asymptomatic or cause a range of symptoms depending on its direction and extent. Imaging is the primary diagnostic tool, and management options range from observation to endoscopic retrieval. Preventive measures center on appropriate stent selection, correct placement technique, and timely removal. Emerging innovations such as biodegradable and sensor-equipped “smart” stents aim to further reduce migration. Although uncommon, double-J stent migration can lead to serious complications; therefore, clinicians should remain vigilant in high-risk cases and prioritize prevention to improve patient outcomes.
Lin et al. (Tue,) studied this question.