Ureterolithotripsy in the management of calcified double-J catheter.

OBJECTIVE

The authors present their experience in the management of a rare complication observed during long-term use of a ureteral catheter. The calcification along the entire surface of the catheter followed by incrustation can make its removal by means of cystoscopy difficult, thus becoming a great challenge to the urologist.

METHODS

The authors describe their experience in the management of this complication through the analysis of two illustrative cases.

RESULTS

After failing to remove the catheter using extracorporeal lithotripsy, ureterolithotripsy was performed and the calcified ureteral catheter was successfully removed in both cases.

CONCLUSION

Ureterolithotripsy proved to be an effective and safe method in the management of calcified double-J catheter.