Gross calcification on distal end of ureteral stent.

OBJECTIVE The commonest indications for ureteral stent placement are: obstructive nephrolithiasis, renoureteral surgery, urologic oncology, endourology and extrinsic ureteral compression. METHODS We report the case of a 77-year-old male patient with a DJ ureteral catheter placed for an 8-month period and history of nephrolithiasis; the stent showed a 60 mm x 30 mm calcification on its distal end. RESULTS Open cystolithotomy and removal of stent resolved the clinic symptomatology. CONCLUSION A prolonged indwell time of stents, as well as a history of nephrolithiasis and urinary infections may on many occasions result in calcification and encrustation of ureteral stents, and will lead to the use of endourology techniques, extracorporeal lithotripsy or open surgery to resolve these conditions.