The efficacy and safety of retrograde ureteral stenting in the management of complicated cases of ureteral obstruction caused by urolithiasis.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of retrograde double J stent (RDJS) placement in the management of complicated obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis.

Patients and methods: An observational study done at a tertiary center was implemented in which a total of 27 patients (10 males, 17 females) with average age of 48.74 years (range: 15-88) who underwent RDJS or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) between 2017 and 2021 due to complicated obstruction caused by urolithiasis were included.

Results: A total of 27 patients (10 males, 17 females) with average age of 48.74 years (range: 15-88) who underwent kidney decompression between 2017 and 2021 due to complicated unilateral or bilateral kidney obstruction caused by ureteral stones were included. Twenty-two patients (81.48%) underwent successful RDJS placement, two patients had RDJS placement then PCN was also placed, and two patients underwent PCN placement. Three patients needed an intensive care unit "ICU" after intervention, two of them were in the ICU before intervention. All septic parameters were normalized within a short period postoperatively. Two patients with failed previous ureteroscopy had a successful RDJS placement.

Conclusion: Retrograde DJS placement is a feasible option in the management of complicated cases of obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis. Short hospitalization period, low rate of complications and better quality of life are the most prominent advantages of RDJS placement. In the hands of experienced surgeons, RDJS should be offered as the first choice of decompression for obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis.