Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy 
Volume 7 (2001), Issue 3-4, Pages 175-180
doi:10.1155/DTE.7.175

Fluoroscopic Placement of Double-Pigtail Ureteral Stents

Gregory L. Chen1 and Demetrius H. Bagley2

 1Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Hayward, CA, USA
2Department of Urology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut Street, Rm 1108, Philadelphia 19107-5083, PA, USA
Received 17 July 2001; Accepted 20 September 2001

Abstract

Purpose: Double-pigtail ureteral stent is placed cystoscopically after ureteroscopy. We describe a technique for fluoroscopic placement of ureteral stents and demonstrate its use in a non-randomized prospective study.

Materials and methods: Double-pigtail stents were placed either fluoroscopically or cystoscopically in 121 consecutive patients. In the fluoroscopic method, the stent was placed over a guide wire using a stent pusher without the use of cystoscopy. Conversely, stents were placed through the working channel of the cystoscope under vision. The procedure, stent length, width, type, method, ureteral dilation, and use of a retrieval string were noted.

Results: A wide range of stent sizes were used. The success with fluoroscopic placement of double-pigtail ureteral stents was 100% (89 of 89 cases). No stents migrated or required replacement. Stents were placed after ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy (53/89) and ureteroscopic tumor treatment (22/89). Cystoscopic visualization was used in 32 additional procedures requiring precise control (15 ureteral strictures and nine retrograde endopyelotomy).

Conclusions: The fluoroscopic placement of ureteral stents is a safe and simple technique with a very high success rate. We have used cystoscopic placement only after incisional procedures such as retrograde endopyelotomy, stricture or ureterotomy.