Severe Encrustation of a Forgotten Double-J Ureteral Stent after 12 Years: A Rare Urological Case Report

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Forgotten Double-J (DJ) ureteral stents can cause severe complications like encrustation, stone formation, infection, and renal impairment. Encrustation risk increases significantly with longer indwelling times. Here, we present a case of severe encrustation of a forgotten Double-J ureteral stent that had become challenging for surgeons.

Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old male presented with a one-month history of right flank pain and burning micturition. He had undergone a right open nephrolithotomy 12 years prior, during which a DJ stent was placed and was forgotten. Imaging revealed a small right kidney, moderate hydronephrosis, and a heavily encrusted DJ stent with associated renal calculi. He was successfully managed using percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy to achieve complete stone clearance and stent removal. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Discussion : Double J Ureteral stents are mostly utilized in urologic procedures. While long-term stent retention can lead to severe complications like encrustation and renal impairment. Our case demonstrates that even a decade-long forgotten stent can be safely as well as effectively solved using a combined minimally invasive endourological approach (PCNL and URS) rather than open surgery.

Conclusion: Heavily encrusted Double-J (DJ) stents retained for over a decade can be successfully managed using minimally invasive endourological techniques. Regular follow-up and applying stent-tracking systems are essential to prevent such complications.