269 Ureteric Stent Encrustation: A Retrospective Audit on the Effects of Prolonged Stent Dwell Time

Abstract

Background: With increasing waiting lists across the NHS, ureteric stents are being left in situ for longer periods of time. Delayed stent removal or forgotten stents are associated with increased patient morbidity and complications which are often difficult to manage. Aim(s): The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of encrustation as well as morbidity associated with prolonged dwell time of ureteric stents. Method(s): A retrospective analysis of the emergency theatre database from January 2023 till December 2023 was performed to identify patients who underwent emergency ureteric stent insertion. Data regarding patient demographics, the primary reason for the stent insertion, total indwelling time, number of encrusted stents and type of procedure performed to make patients stent free were recorded. Result(s): A total of 104 patients were included in this study. 82.6% of patients had emergency stenting due to stones, 14.4% from ureteric obstruction secondary to tumours and 3% due to trauma. The average time from emergency stenting to definitive procedure was 140 days. During this period 16% of patients were re-admitted with stent symptoms, 3% with urosepsis and 0.9% with blocked stents. 11.5% of these patients had stent encrustation with 16.7% requiring complex ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation of the encrustation during the definitive ureteroscopy. Conclusion(s): Indwelling ureteric stents following emergency procedures can cause significant morbidity in patients if left in for a prolonged time. This study highlights the complications associated with prolonged stent dwell time. This can be avoided by ensuring timely definitive ureteroscopy and stent removals.