Damage attributable to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and deposition of calcium oxalate crystals on ureteral stents.

Ureteral stents have been widely used during and after SWL depending on the size of the stones and the condition of the urinary tracts. The use of stents can help to reduce complications and contributes to stone passage. However, some reports note complications that were attributed to indwelling ureteral stents. We attended to the role of obstruction of ureteral stents in those complications. The aim of this study was to analyze factors that influence ureteral stent obstruction and damage caused by SWL. Crystal deposition and the damage by SWL were examined in all ureteral stents by the use of continuous flow system and were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The degree of crystal deposition and damage differed depending on the individual stent. The material properties of the stent surface are the major factor influencing crystal deposition and the degree of damage by SWL. The indications for ureteral stenting must be considered in each case, because the routine use of ureteral stents has a possibility to increase complications.