Radiology, Vol 191, 765-768, Copyright © 1994 by Radiological Society of North America
Malignant ureteral obstruction: treatment with metal stents--technique, results, and observations with percutaneous intraluminal US
E vanSonnenberg, HB D'Agostino, R O'Laoide, J Donaldson, RB Sanchez, A Hoyt and CC Pittman
Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego Medical Center.
PURPOSE: To test the technical feasibility and results of placement of
metal stents into ureters obstructed by extensive tumor. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: Six consecutive patients (two men and four women, aged 35-66 years
and with incurable malignancies) underwent insertion of metallic
endoprostheses in nine obstructed ureters through percutaneous tracts.
RESULTS: Metal stents were inserted without technical difficulty in all
obstructed ureters. The stents functioned well in four patients. In two
patients, the metal were not tolerated and plastic double-J stents were
placed through the metal stents; this permitted effective functioning and
withdrawal of the protective external catheter. Intraluminal
ultrasonography depicted stent clogging and debris, dimensions of stent
opening, and tumor level. CONCLUSION: Insertion of metal stents in the
ureter is technically straightforward and was well tolerated by patients.
However, the efficacy is variable, and a greater beneficial effect than is
achieved with plastic stents is not established.
