Ureteral Stents

Spontaneous fragmentation of JJ stent can occur as early as 3 weeks post‐insertion: Case report

“…SSF has been associated with several potential etiological factors such as the material from which the stent is made. The majority of JJ stents used in common practice are made either completely (like the stents presented in this report) or partly from polyurethane but other materials include silicone, C‐Flex, Percuflex, and metals have also been used 11,12 . Polyurethane stents are more likely to fragment compared to those made from silicone and other biomaterials 12 …”

“…The majority of JJ stents used in common practice are made either completely (like the stents presented in this report) or partly from polyurethane but other materials include silicone, C-Flex, Percuflex, and metals have also been used. 11,12 Polyurethane stents are more likely to fragment compared to those made from silicone and other biomaterials. 12 Aging of the stent has also been recognized as an important cause for stent fragmentation.…”

“…The exact reason for SSF is unclear but has been attributed to the stent material, hostile and harsh urine environment, and the duration of leaving the stent inside the body. [10][11][12] The vast majority of the previously reported cases were associated with calcifications and encrustation of stents which had been neglected or forgotten for longtime. [4][5][6]9 Herein, we report, for the first time, on two cases in which the SSF has occurred as early as 3 and 5 weeks post-insertion and reflect on the possible causes and ways to prevent this early complication.…”

“…This potentially serious complication increases patients’ morbidity and requires further procedures to remove the retained fragments. The exact reason for SSF is unclear but has been attributed to the stent material, hostile and harsh urine environment, and the duration of leaving the stent inside the body 10‐12 . The vast majority of the previously reported cases were associated with calcifications and encrustation of stents which had been neglected or forgotten for longtime 4‐6,9 .…”