Failure of the Double-Curved Ureteral Stent

Ureteral obstruction no longer requires routine open surgical diversion. With the advent of percutaneous nephrostomy techniques indwelling ureteral stents, the armamentarium exists to provide drainage by nonoperative means. This has been beneficial to many patients but especially to those who are poor risks or who have terminal illnesses and need treatment for relatively brief periods. Herein we report 2 cases of failure of the double-curved polyethylene ureteral catheter to drain effectively, leading to nephrostomy, and a case in which removal of a stent disrupted a repaired ureteropelvic junction, leading to additional surgery. Three patients also are discussed who had severe dysuria and irritation from the stents.