Intracaval migration: an uncommon complication of ureteral Double-J stent placement

Distal end of a ureteral double-J stent displaced into the contralateral ureter after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy: a case report

We report displacement of the distal end of a ureteral double-J stent into the contralateral ureter after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) in a 71-year-old man with a history of left kidney stones. Postoperative computed tomography imaging showed that the distal end of the left ureteral double-J stent was displaced into the right ureter, which resulted in persistent right renal colic when the nephrostomy tube was clipped and continuous urine leakage from the nephrostomy opening after the nephrostomy tube was removed. After the cystoscopic adjustment of the ureteral stent, the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home the next day.

[Intracardiac migration of the ureteral single-J : A case report and removal techniques]

The techniques of derivation of the high urinary tract are indispensable in common practice for the management of ureteral obstructions. Like any surgical gesture, its techniques are not without complications; Among those common are hematuria, urinary incontinence, migration in the bladder and rupture of the probe. However, intracardiac probe migration has rarely been described. We report the case of a 68-year-old patient treated for cervical cancer who benefited from the rise of a bilateral single-J probe, admitted for accidental migration of the left probe into the heart. The diagnosis was made by plain abdominal X-ray and confirmed by thoraco-abdominal CT angiography. The patient benefited, in the catheterization room, from a withdrawal of the probe by endoscopic way and under radioscopic control successfully and without any incident.

Double-J Stent Misplacement in the Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrium: A Urovascular Nightmare

Ureteral injury may occur during abdominopelvic surgery given its anatomic path and proximity to surrounding organs. We present a case in which a patient required ureteral reimplantation following injury during a hysterectomy. The patient underwent a seemingly uncomplicated robotic ureteral reimplantation with ureteral stent placement. However, postoperative imaging demonstrated extension of the stent from the bladder to the right atrium. It appeared that the gonadal vein was reimplanted rather than the ureter. In a combined urology-vascular surgery case, gonadal vein implantation into the bladder was confirmed. Through-and-through access from the right internal jugular vein to the urethra was established. The ureteral stent was removed and the gonadal vein was embolized, with urology follow-up for planning and scheduling of ureteral reimplantation. Vascular involvement by ureteral stents has considerable risks and often requires further surgery. Ureteral injury can occur even in the hands of experienced surgeons and has a considerable impact on patients. Recognizing important anatomy and using operative techniques to differentiate from nearby structures, such as the gonadal vein, may help in preventing ureteral injury and assisting with repair of ureteral injury.

Patient summary

We describe a case in which a patient had an injury to her ureter, the tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder. When trying to repair this, a blood vessel (the gonadal vein) instead of the ureter was accidentally connected to the bladder. We discuss the resulting complications and management, similar cases, and important anatomy concepts and surgical techniques to prevent this type of injury.

A misplacement of a ureteral stent into the abdominal aorta: a case report of a rare retrograde ureteral stenting complication

Background

Cervical cancer is often associated with malignant ureteral obstruction and consequent hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis caused in this way can be resolved by placing ureteral stents or performing a percutaneous nephrostomy. Complications that may occur during the retrograde ureteral stent placement are usually mild, but serious complications such as stent migration into the cardiovascular system are also possible. Here we present an unusual case where a ureteral stent entered the abdominal aorta during the cystoscopic ureteral stenting, which was resolved by a cystoscopic stent removal kept in check by endovascular catheters.

Case presentations

The 48-year-old female patient was treated in the regional secondary healthcare facility due to bilateral hydronephrosis caused by cervical cancer. The patient had bilateral percutaneous nephrostomies and ureteral stents. Due to the calcification of the left ureteral stent, an urethrorenoscopy with lithotripsy of the calculus in the left ureter was performed in the regional secondary healthcare facility, and the ureteral stent was cystoscopically replaced. The control radiography of the urinary tract showed a misplacement of the left ureteral stent, and a computed tomography showed that the stent was located in the abdominal aorta. The patient was referred to the University Clinical Center of Serbia, where a ureteral stent was cystoscopically removed from the abdominal aorta under the control of endovascular catheters. The patient was in good general condition at all times, with no signs of bleeding, and she was discharged from the hospital on the fourth postoperative day.

Conclusions

The migration of a ureteral stent into the abdominal aorta and the cardiovascular system in general is a rare type of ureteral stenting complication whose treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. In order to prevent such complications, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the indications for the ureteral stent placement in the case of malignant ureteral obstruction. Also, this procedure should be performed according to the current guidelines and controlled by an X-ray or ultrasound.

Double J stent malposition in the inferior vena cava: Two case reports and a literature review

Double J stent (DJS) malposition in the vascular system is a rare and severe complication. We present two cases in our department who went through DJS malposition in the inferior vena cava and our experience in treatment, and we reviewed the previous case reports to further summarize its underlying reasons and prevention and treatment methods.

Intracardiac Migration of the Ureteral Double-J Stent during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

The complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) include hemorrhage, damage to adjuvant organs, and other medical issues, although intracardiac migration of ureteral double-J stent has never been found during PNL and delaying the diagnosis might cause mortality. We report the case of a 60-year-old male who was admitted to receive one-stage PNL for right renal stones. During operation, an unexpected atrial fibrillation with a drop in blood pressure was suddenly encountered and the chest X-ray subsequently showed that the ureteral double-J had penetrated deep into the heart. Emergent endovascular intervention was performed to remove the stent and the patient was uneventfully discharged 2 days later.

Endovascular removal of a misplaced ureteral stent in the vena cava: a complication of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Intravascular migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava is an uncommon complication. Active prevention, timely diagnosis, and early intervention are crucial for this complication. Intravascular interventional therapy is relatively easy, less traumatic, and has a high success rate. It can be used to select patients for intravascular ectopic DJS treatment.

Black pearl in urology: Inadvertent anastomosis of gonadal vein to ureter leading to malpostioning of stent into the inferior vena cava

Double- J (JJ) stents are commonly used in urological procedures. Minor and self limiting complications are common following JJ stenting. Malpositioning of JJ stent into the vascular system is a rare and a possibly fatal complication. We are reporting a case of a malpositioned JJ stent in the inferior vena cava (IVC), during Boari flap procedure for post-hysterectomy uretereovaginal fistula. Patient had undergone hysterectomy three months previously, and had ureterovaginal fistula possibly due to iatrogenic intraoperative injury. Patient underwent right-sided ureteroneocystostomy with Boari flap one week previously at other institute. Patient was admitted in our institution with complaints of fever, pain in abdomen and vomiting. In view of the symptoms of the patient, cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography scan was done which revealed an intraoperatively malpositioned JJ stent in the IVC, and well healed Boari flap was seen.

Repeated spontaneous migration of ureteral stent in hemiplegia patient during ureteral stone treatment

A 48-year-old man with a history of cerebral infarction presented with gross hematuria. The patient's limping accompanies twisting trunk on his walking. The diagnosis was right upper ureteral stone. Prior to Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) ureteral stent was inserted. After the second ESWL ureteral stent was displaced upwardly without patient's unknown. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) was performed for both removal of ureteral stent and fragmentation of residual stone. Spontaneously, post RIRS ureteral stent was migrated upwardly to the same position.

Ureteral stent migration is uncommon. Twisting walk may cause the position of ureteral stent upwardly.

Migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Intravascular migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava is an uncommon complication. The management of such complication is less reported in the literature. This study aimed to reveal the diagnosis and treatment process of migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old male patients was transferred to our hospital because of migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava after left-side pyelolithotomy.

DIAGNOSIS

In accordance with manifestations on computed tomography urography, the patient was diagnosed with migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava.

INTERVENTIONS

Percutaneous nephroscope under C-arm guidance was performed to remove the migrated stent. After the operation, the patient was treated with continued anticoagulants and antibiotics.

OUTCOMES

The migrated stent was removed successfully without any complications, and a new double J stent was placed and its location was confirmed under C-arm. The patient was discharged in good condition and the follow-up was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

Intravascular migration of a double J stent into the inferior vena cava is an uncommon complication. Radiologic imaging after placement of ureteral stent is critical for prevention of this complication. Percutaneous nephroscope under C-arm guidance is a safe and effective approach to remove the migrated DJS in the IVC.

Intravascular double J stent migration: A case report, review, and management algorithm

A double J stent (DJS) is the main therapy for ureteral obstruction when conservative treatment fails. Antegrade migration in the bladder - or retrograde migration in the ureter - are well-known complications. We present a case with intravascular migration of a DJS into the inferior vena cava. Inferior venocavagraphy confirmed the position of the stent, and thrombus formation was excluded at its tip. The stent was retracted endoscopically. After the procedure, limited contrast leakage was seen at the perforation site on venography. The current available literature is reviewed. Based on this, a management algorithm is drawn up.

Ureteral double J stent displaced into vena cava and management with laparoscopy: A case report and review of the literature

We reported displacement of a ureteral double J stent into the vena cava and laparoscopic management in a 69-year-old patient with a history of ureteral stent placement. Preoperative computed tomography and plain X-rays showed malpositioning of the double J stent and displacement into the inferior vena cava. The characteristics of stent misplacement precluded endovascular procedures and explorative laparoscopic surgery was performed. The intra- and postoperative periods were uneventful. Postoperative imaging demonstrated that the new double J stent was in the right position. The patient was discharged 7 d after the operation and was symptom free at the 4-mo follow-up.

Intracaval misplacement of a double-J ureteral stent

Double-J ureteral stent (DJUS) is an important therapeutic tool in endourology. There are well-known frequent complications associated with DJUS placement such as distal and proximal migration within the urinary tract. However, perforation and stent misplacement are uncommon but serious complications of this technique. We present a case of a 63-year-old man who had a misplacement of a DJUS into the inferior vena cava during an elective procedure of ureteral catheterisation. The stent placement was performed under fluoroscopic control and it seemed well positioned. Actually, the DJUS was misplaced in the inferior vena cava after drilling at the level of the crossing of the ureter with the ipsilateral iliac vessels. Diagnosis was incidentally made 3 months after the placement of the stent in a renal CT scan. The patient was always asymptomatic. We performed an endoscopic removal of the ureteral stent, which took place without complications.

Stent extrusion on the external surface of the transplanted kidney: unusual occurrence

Here we present the case of a 40-year-old man, who underwent deceased donor renal transplantation. Towards the end of this operation, open-ended double J stent was inserted in the transplanted kidney. Modified Lich-Gregoir ureterovesical anastomosis was performed. Prior to the abdominal closure, it was discovered that proximal end of the stent had pierced the renal parenchyma and extruded on the external surface of the transplanted kidney. We contemplated removing the stent and reinserting it but decided against that due to various reasons. The stent was left as such. The patient was managed conservatively with satisfactory outcome in the postoperative period. To the best of our knowledge, this is first such report of conservative management of stent extrusion in transplanted kidney in the literature.

An Extremely Rare Complication of Ureteral Pigtail Stent Placement: A Case Report

Double-J (DJ) stents are the main tools used in urological practice for prevention and treatment of obstruction. Stenting is also mandatory after complicated ureteroscopy or TUL (Transureteral Lithotripsy). Known complications are upper migration of DJ stents into the kidney and lower migration to the bladder. In a man with an impacted right lower ureteral stone, a DJ stent was placed because the ureteroscope was not passed from an intramural ureter. We reported a very rare complication of DJ ureteral stent placement with intravascular migration to the pulmonary arteries, which was removed percutaneously through the right femoral vein under fluoroscopic guidance.

A double J stent misplaced in the inferior vena cava during Boari flap repair

A 30-year-old lady underwent a Boari flap repair for post-hysterectomy mid-ureteric stricture. The upper end of the double J stent inserted during the procedure was misplaced in the supra-renal inferior venal cava. Cystoscopic stent removal could be performed uneventfully, while the stricture was managed by endoureterotomy.

Iatrogenic submucosal tunnel in the ureter: a rare complication during advancement of the guide wire

BACKGROUND

Inserting a guide wire is a common practice during endo-urological procedures. A rare complication in patients with ureteral stones where an iatrogenic submucosal tunnel (IST) is created during endoscopic guide wire placement.

OBJECTIVE

Summarize data on IST.

DESIGN

Retrospective descriptive study of patients treated from from October 2009 until January 2015.

SETTING

King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with ureteral stones were divided to 2 groups. In group I (335 patients), the ureteral stones were removed by ureteroscopy in one stage. Group II (97 patients) had a 2-staged procedure starting with a double J-stent placement for kidney drainage followed within 3 weeks with ureteroscopic stone removal.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Endoscopic visualization of ureteric submucosal tunneling by guide wire.

RESULTS

IST occurred in 9/432 patients with ureteral stones (2.1%). The diagnosis in group I was made during ureteroscopy by direct visualization of a vanishing guide wire at the level of the stone (6 patients). In group II, IST was suspected when renal pain was not relieved after placement of the double J-stent or if imaging by ultrasound or intravenous urography showed persistent back pressure to the obstructed kidney (3 patients). The condition was subsequently confirmed by ureteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

Forceful advancement of the guide wire in an inflamed and edematous ureteral segment impacted by a stone is probably the triggering factor for development of IST. Definitive diagnosis is possible only by direct visualization during ureteroscopy. Awareness of this potential complication is important to guard against its occurrence.

LIMITATIONS

Relatively small numbers of subjects and the retrospective nature of the study.

Intracardiac migration of ureteral double-J stent: A case report and review

Ureteral double-J (DJ) stenting is a common urologic procedure in several ureteral surgeries and has been used to manage ureteral obstructions during pregnancy. It may result in early and late complications. We review a rare case of migration of the DJ stent into the cardiovascular system in a pregnant female. We also review the literature. The endoscopic procedure to remove this displacement has been done postnatally with no adverse effects.

Characterization of nanostructured ureteral stent with gradient degradation in a porcine model

A tubular poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) ureteral stent composed of nanofibers with micropores was fabricated by double-needle electrospinning. The stent was ureteroscopically inserted into six Changbai pigs, and the commercial polyurethane Shagong^® stent was inserted into four pigs as control. Intravenous pyelography revealed that the PCL/PLGA stent gradually degraded from the distal end to proximal terminal, and all stents were completely degraded at 10 weeks post-insertion. No significant difference was observed in hydronephrosis severity between the two groups. The levels of serum creatinine and urine pH remained similar throughout the study in the two groups, but the number of white blood cells in the urine was significantly higher in the Shagong^® stent group. On Day 70, histological evaluation indicated equivalent histological severity scores in the middle and distal ureter sections and bladder in the two groups. However, the PCL/PLGA stent-implanted pigs had significantly lower mean severity scores in the kidney and proximal ureter sites. These data revealed that the PCL/PLGA stent degraded in a controlled manner, did not induce obstruction, and had a lower urothelial impact in comparison to the Shagong^® stent, indicating that the stent exhibited great potential for clinical application.

Misplacement or migration? Extremely rare case of cardiac migration of a ureteral j stent

A 29-year-old woman with mild back pain when coughing and suprapubic discomfort after voiding was admitted to Pusan National University Hospital. Two weeks earlier, she had undergone a hysterectomy and right-sided ureteroneocystostomy for uterine atony and right ureteral injury with bladder rupture. Computed tomography showed that a ureteral J stent extended from the right ovarian vein to the right cardiac chamber. The stent was retrieved via both femoral veins with a snare loop and pigtail catheter. Computed tomography showed that the urinary and vascular tracts were normal 5 months after the procedure.

Development of VVF following double J stent placement

Double J stent (DJ stent) is commonly used in various urological conditions. Theoretically stent-induced tissue erosion can be a possibility, but fistula formation is rarely reported. The present case was a case of genitourinary tuberculosis diagnosed 4 years ago and had received complete treatment. Two months ago she presented with recurrent urinary tract infection and diagnosed to have vesicoureteric reflux with secondary obstruction for which DJ stent was placed, after 15 days of which the patient reported leakage of urine per vagina. She was diagnosed to have vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) with in situ stent eroding through the bladder wall. Stent was removed and fistula was corrected surgically. This is the first reported case of stent-induced VVF, a rare complication of ureteral stent placement.

Urologic stenting-induced trauma: a comprehensive review and case series

OBJECTIVE

To characterize traumatic injuries secondary to ureteral stent manipulation and analyze factors associated with their occurrence.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive retrospective review of the literature and of our institutional records for occurrences of iatrogenic injury because of retrograde ureteral stent procedures.

RESULTS

Overall, 22 cases were identified, including 3 cases at our institution. Most injuries involved a major artery (52%) or vein (30%), with the remainder (17%) limited to the genitourinary tract. Associated factors included: hydronephrosis, pelvic malignancy, indwelling or chronic ureteral stents, chemoradiation, and urinary diversion.

CONCLUSION

Ureteral stenting-induced trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. Recognition of the risk factors that predispose patients to iatrogenic stent trauma may help to prevent such injuries or, alternatively, it may facilitate their prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Double J ureteral stent displaced through the right ventricle

We report a 59-year old patient with a double J ureteral catheter displaced out of the ureter through the inferior vena cava and right ventricle. The catheter was removed successfully under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Percutaneous antegrade nephroscopic holmium laser pyelotomy: Novel endourologic technique for removal of extruded ureteral stent

Ureteral stent malposition outside of the urinary tract is a very uncommon complication of retrograde or antegrade ureteral stent insertion. There are few reports of open, laparoscopic or endourologic approaches to remove malpositioned stents. We present a novel technique for the removal of an extruded retroperitoneal ureteral stent using percutaneous antegrade nephroscopic holmium laser pyelotomy. This previously undescribed procedure represents a new soft tissue application of the holmium laser.

Migration of double J stent into the inferior vena cava and the right atrium

Migration of a ureteric double J stent down into the bladder or up into the kidney is a well known complication. We recently encountered a case where the stent migrated into the vascular system following attempted ureteroscopy for a lower ureteric calculus. The patient required open surgical exploration for stent retrieval.

Management of intravenous migration of urologic catheter

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the management of an intravenous urologic catheter.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 2 patients in our hospital and all relevant literature published in English between 1980 and 2012. The treatment processes of our patients are described in detail. All patients (including those reported in the literature) are characterized by age, sex, relevant history, operation, location, method of retrieval, and prognosis.

RESULTS

The patients were a median age of 48.5 years (range, 29-63 years). Female patients were younger (median age, 41 vs 54 years) and had greater percentage of migration (70% vs 30%) than male patients. Most patients (90%) had a history of chronic inflammation or operation on the affected kidney. All migrations (3 right and 7 left) occurred during or after endourologic procedures. Most were managed with bed rest, antibiotics, and thromboprophylaxis, and the catheters were eventually retrieved using noninvasive methods. Removal in 1 patient required open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Some elements, such as relevant history, may be a risk factor for intravenous migration of a urologic catheter. Most of these patients could be managed uneventfully by minimally invasive approaches.