Use of self-expanding permanent endoluminal stents for benign ureteral strictures: Mid-term results

Purpose: Benign ureteral strictures constitute a therapeutic dilemma, especially in patients unable to undergo an open operative procedure. We report on 13 patients with benign ureteral strictures treated with endoscopic implantation of self-expanding permanent endoluminal stents. Materials and Methods: Endoscopic implantation was done using the Wallstent* in 4 patients, the Memotherm dagger stent in 5 and the Sinus double dagger stent in 4. The technique of implantation followed the standardized procedure that we described in 1995. Results: Mean followup was 41.6 months. Primary patency (ureters patent since implantation) was achieved in 7 patients and assisted patency (additional intervention) was noted in 5. In 1 case the kidney had to be removed because of progressive malfunction. Conclusions: Implantation of self-expanding permanent endoluminal stents for benign ureteral strictures is safe, effective and minimally invasive in select cases. Additional studies and long-term results are needed to make definitive conclusions about this method.