Self-expanding metal ureteral stent for treating ureteral strictures: 3-year follow-up results from 310 cases

BACKGROUND: Allium metal ureteral stents (AMUS) have emerged as a popular endoscopic treatment option for managing ureteral strictures. This study aimed to report the management experience and long-term follow-up results of AMUS for ureteral strictures in a single center. METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent AMUS implantation for ureteral strictures at our center. The success rate of surgery, postoperative changes in renal function parameters, and occurrence of complications were evaluated during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients with 330 cases of ureteral strictures were included in the study, with 96.4% achieving successful stent implantation. The surgical success rates at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively were 78.8%, 71.5%, and 61.5%, respectively. Postoperative assessment revealed a significant reduction in renal hydronephrosis volume, blood creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels compared to preoperative values. During the follow-up period, the reasons for surgical failure included stent migration (21.8%), occlusion (7.0%), encrustation (4.5%), and urinary tract infection (1.5%). Notably, complications associated with AMUS placement included pain (9.4%), urinary tract infections (10.9%), hematuria (10.9%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (9.7%). CONCLUSIONS: AMUS was found to be a safe and effective treatment option for ureteral strictures, with minimal complications and favorable long-term results. In cases where surgical reconstruction is not suitable, AMUS serves as an alternative management approach.