Endourological management of severely encrusted ureteral stents.

BACKGROUND Encrustion of ureteral stents is a well-known phenomenon which can be treated easily if recognized promptly. Severe encrustation, however, which leads to renal impairment, presents a challenge in management. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four patients with encrusted stents were referred to our institution for management. All had impaired function of the affected kidney. Each was managed by either retrograde ureteroscopy or a combination of percutaneous and ureteroscopic procedures. RESULTS All four of the patients were rendered stone free following an average of 2.5 (range 1-3) procedures. Renal function improved in all patients postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Encrustation is a potentially serious complication of the use of ureteral stents, as it can lead to renal impairment. Timely endourologic intervention can result in recovery of renal function.