[Obstructive nature of the "double-J" ureteral catheter in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis].

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVES

"Double-J" ureteral stents are commonly used for ureteral diversion, Obstruction of these devices is rare in the absence of certain circumstances. The objective of this article is to discuss the origin of stent obstruction in the Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis (IRF) context, and to suggest the most suitable type of urinary diversion.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We presented three cases of extrinsic ureteral compression due to IRF who were inserted soft polyurethance "double-J" stents (Urosoft, Angiomed brand), 7 Fr. with multiple side holes. These stents finally turned out as obstructive ones, and needed to be changed for other types of diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid treatment constitutes the first option for these patients, but if ureteral obstruction occurs, diversion should be carried out. We prefer internal ureteral diversion with spiral-reinforced ureteral stents, being also valid options percutaneous nephrostomy or external ureteral stents made of a more rigid type of polyurethane, according to the case. When a soft polyurethane stent is used in a patient with FRI, we should perform a very strict follow-up with appropriate image studies, since the possibility of being not effective always exists.