Ureteral stent exchange under fluoroscopic guidance using the crochet hook technique in women

Abstract

Purpose: We developed a method for ureteral stent exchange in female patients under fluoroscopic guidance using a crochet hook technique (CHEX).

Patients and methods: A total of 45 female patients (51 stents) underwent exchange of ureteral stents. In these patients, 21 ureteral stents were exchanged using CHEX. All procedures were carried out with the patients under conscious sedation. At the time of the procedures, we extracted the ureteral stent from the external urethral orifice using CHEX under fluoroscopic guidance and inserted the new stent under fluoroscopic guidance without cystoscopy.

Results: 20 of the 21 stents (95.2%) were successfully exchanged. Ureteral stent exchange using CHEX was unsuccessful in 1 patient, including migration to the ureter.

Conclusions: Ureteral stent exchange using a crochet hook is easy, safe and cost-effective. This technique was also easy to learn.