Metallic ureteric stents: early experience.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with metallic self-expanding stents in the palliative care of patients with ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Seven patients (five men and two women, mean age 72.8 years, range 58-88) with ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy were evaluated. Self-expanding metallic Memotherm stents (Angiomed, Karlsruhe, Germany) were deployed using an antegrade approach in all patients. Patients were followed for a mean (range) of 9 (4-13) months to assess renal function and survival.

RESULTS

All seven patients had good palliation; their quality of life was improved and symptom such as loin pain were ameliorated. Renal function was preserved; the mean serum creatinine level before and after stenting was 636 and 263 mumol/L, respectively). The mean duration of stent patency was 9 months. Of the five patients who subsequently died, only two had recurrent renal failure, presumably caused by stent occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of metallic stents in the palliative care of ureteric obstruction caused by advanced pelvic malignancy is a safe and effective treatment.