Holmium Laser Removal of Antegrade-Placed Ureteral Stent Suture via Ureteroscopy

Abstract

Antegrade conversion to nephroureteral stent is common after percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement for obstruction when retrograde alternatives fail. Nephroureteral stents often have a nylon retaining suture attached to aid in placement and removal. If the nephroureteral suture is not removed, it can become embedded in the renal parenchyma as nylon is unabsorbable, preventing stent removal and potentially leading to adverse outcomes. This case report describes a complication of antegrade nephroureteral stenting and shows that retrograde ureteroscopy with holmium lasering of the retained suture was an effective treatment for the removal of retained stents. Furthermore, after a difficult extraction of the nephroureteral stent, the patient displayed minimal post-operative sequelae, and no visible defects on follow-up renoscopy.