Encrusted ureteric stent

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Staghorn calculus in the left kidney. Left ureteric stent insertion some months ago. Now with left loin pain. Stent blocked?

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
ct

Ureteric stent is encrusted with stone like material (arrows) especially in the bladder but also in the upper ureter. It is no longer functional (i.e. side holes are blocked obstructing outflow, thus the collecting system is dilated).

Case Discussion

Encrustation is more common in stone formers (i.e. lithogenic urine), longer stent placement times (>3 months), certain stent types (e.g. plastics), and chronically infected urine.

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