Double J Stenting - Clinical Profile, Indications and Post Operative Complications

Introduction: Ureteric stents have become one of the most basic and valuable tools in the urological practice. Indwelling ureteral stents provide direct drainage of the upper urinary tract to the bladder without the need for external diversion. The indications for insertion of stents into the urinary tract has expanded significantly during the last decade. However, their use is not free of complications and problems. The present study was designed to observe the clinical profile of patients presenting with obstructive uropathy at a tertiary care centre requiring DJ stents and to study the complications of indwelling DJ stents. Material and Methods: Data collection by meticulous history taking and clinical examination, appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations, operative findings, and follow-up of cases. Results: Study was conducted with 50 patients. nodule was 23%. Mean age of the subjects was 44.32 year. Overall male predominance was seen in present study with 70% males. Obstructive uropathy forms the major indication for DJ stenting followed by upper urinary tract infections (10%). Associated Complications were noticed in 46% of cases. Most common associated complication of DJ stenting was dysuria (24%) and increased frequency (22%). Urinary tract infection, haematuria, and stent migration was seen in 12%, 8% and 4% cases. Conclusion: Double stenting is an easy and effective procedure for the management of obstructive uropathy. However, we recommend that their use must be strictly restricted to selected cases and routine use should be avoided, as they are not free of complications. Moreover, close follow up of stented patients is essential for early detection of complications and a lot of stress should be paid on the counselling of the patients regarding stents complications and their timely removal in order to avoid stent encrustation/migration which could otherwise be highly fatal for the patient.