Retrograde exchange of a double J stent via a cystostomy tract.

Ureteral stents have been used for maintaining luminal patency in ureteral obstruction, including cases of malignant ureteral obstruction due to pelvic malignancy, since the late 1970s (1). Due to migration, encrustation, obstruction, and infection, these ureteral stents have to be removed or exchanged within 4-6 months of the initial placement (2-4). Recently, new optional stents such as metallic stents or resonance metallic stents have been introduced to maintain prolonged patency of ureters compromised by encasing neoplasm (4,5). However, conventional stents which need exchange within 4-6 months are commonly used. Cystoscopic retrograde removal or exchange of these stents has been considered the standard method (2). However, because of the rigidity and larger diameter of cystoscopes, some patients need deep sedation or general anesthesia for pain management during the procedure (2). In addition, the cystoscopic retrograde approach is impossible in patients with distorted anatomy secondary to urinary diversion, large prostate, or urethral stricture (3). An antegrade percutaneous approach could be an alternative option for such cases, but a percutaneous nephrostomy itself could yield serious complications, especially in kidneys without hydronephrosis (3). We report a unique case in which retrograde ureteral stent exchange was successfully performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance using a cystostomy tract in a patient with distorted lower urinary tract anatomy. A 10-F vascular sheath (Check-Flo Performer Introducer, Cook) was introduced into the bladder under fluoroscopic guidance, which enabled the introduction of grasping forceps (Figure-1). To improve technical manipulation during the procedure, the bladder was slightly distended by injection of 100mL of diluted contrast medium in order to prevent mucosal folds from injury by the grasping forceps. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the tip of the ureteral stent was manipulated using grasping forceps, and the stent was gently withdrawn to just beyond the orifice of the cystostomy site. A 0.035-inch guide wire (Radifocus, Terumo,Tokyo, Japan) was inserted through the ureteral stent up into the renal pelvis. A new ureteral stent with the same size and diameter was advanced in a retrograde direction with a pusher. Several retrograde methods without conventional cystoscopy have been developed (2,3,6). Successful outcomes have been reported using retrograde ureteral stent exchange under fluoroscopic guidance, but most patients in these studies were female, and only one study included male patients (6). More studies should be undertaken to investigate the possibility of retrograde ureteral stent change via cystostomy tract in patients who do not have a previous cystostomy tract. Cystostomy is an invasive procedure, but is less invasive than percutaneous nephrostomy. RADIOLOGY PAGE Vol. 40 (3): 427-428, May June, 2014