BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - Ureteral obstruction due to malignancy is associated with poor overall survival. Ureteral stents to relieve the obstruction are associated with high rates of failure when using traditional polyurethrane-based stents. However, a novel metallic based stent has recently been developed.
| "These stents may be a great option for specific sub-groups of patients, but our work has demonstrated that for an index patient with malignant ureteral obstruction, the stents do not appear to perform better than traditional stents." |
We reviewed our experience with this device at Duke University Medical Center. We found a 35% failure rate, which is similar to that observed with the traditional (non-metallic) stents. Moreover, patients with evidence of prostate cancer invading the bladder (which has been previously identified as a risk factor for failure using traditional stents) were also more likely to fail metallic stent placement.
Bottom line: These stents may be a great option for specific sub-groups of patients, but our work has demonstrated that for an index patient with malignant ureteral obstruction, the stents do not appear to perform better than traditional stents.
Written by:
Zach G. Goldsmith, MD, PhD as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations etc... of their research by referencing the published abstract.
Resident in Urologic Surgery (PGY-4)
Duke University Medical Center
Box 2922
Durham NC, 27710 USA
Outcomes of metallic stents for malignant ureteral obstruction - Abstract
