Primary double pigtail stenting as a treatment of upper urinary tract leaks.

During a 5-year period 21 consecutive patients with iatrogenic or traumatic upper urinary tract leaks (nonmalignant) underwent treatment 5 to 28 days later with an indwelling double pigtail stent via an antegrade or retrograde approach. Six patients underwent initial nephrostomy drainage for relief of obstruction causing decreased renal function and/or septicemia. Stent placement was successful in 20 patients and complete healing occurred within 2 to 7 weeks in all 20. At followup 2 to 32 months later (median 3 months) no stricture formation or deterioration of kidney function was noted. There were no major complications and 85% of the patients were able to leave the hospital without any form of external drainage within 1 week after stent placement.