[Relief of upper urinary tract obstruction in patients with cancer of the prostate].

INTRODUCTION

Hydronephrosis in patients with prostate cancer can be relieved by nephrostomia or internal urinary diversion by a double-J ureteral stent. The latter can be placed either retrograde or antegrade by means of an already established nephrostomy. The purpose of the present study was to summarize the use of the different kinds of catheters and to explore differences in use and functional durability. Furthermore, the number of days of hospitalization was recorded.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 51 journals from prostate cancer patients who had undergone external and/or internal relief during the 10-year period from 1997-2007. All patients were admitted to Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark.

RESULTS

A total of 237 procedures were performed. In the acute situation, the patient typically underwent external catheter relief with either one-sided or - more frequently - two-sided nephrostomy. At the time of death three out of four patients had nephrostomies as well. Most patients underwent internal stent relief in the period from first relief by nephrostomy to the time of death (median: seven months). The number of catheter-related infections was lower than expected. Double-J urethral stents lasted longer than nephrostomies, but half of those relieved by internal stents only survived one or two catheter replacements before dying.

CONCLUSION

Malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction in prostate cancer patients is frequent and both types of relief are safe and efficient. Nephrostomies should be preferred in patients who are in bad health or infected while double-J stents - especially antegrade - should be offered to healthier or stronger patients. Successful placement and positive effect of a double-J stent is furthermore dependent on well-functioning kidneys and bladder.