Ureteral metallic stents: application of virtual endoscopy for ureteral patency control.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study we have applied virtual endoscopy (VE) in patients with ureteral metallic stents as a follow-up tool study especially in the need to define ureteral patency.

METHODS

We performed the suggested technique in 6 patients with malignant ureteral obstruction treated successfully by placement of Wallstent intraureteral metallic stents, and correlated the results with antegrade nephrostomography 48 hours after initial stent placement.

RESULTS

In 2 patients restenosis was observed, and in the remaining 4 patients the stented ureters remained patent during the follow up evaluation. VE and antegrade nephrostomography, were concurrent as to their findings. Moreover, VE proceeds beyond the stenotic segment, allowing visualization of the ureteral lumen both cephalad and caudal to the point of obstruction.

CONCLUSION

VE is providing indeed a more accurate, direct and dynamic approach in the evaluation of a strictured ureteral lumen within the metallic stent.