The Clinical Characteristics of Malignant Ureteral Obstruction Secondary to Non-genitourinary Malignancy

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the success rate of internal ureteral stenting and the complications for patients with ureteral obstruction secondary to non-genitourinary malignancy. Materials and Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2005, ureteral stenting were attempted in 62 patients with ureteral obstruction secondary to non-genitourinary malignancy. Their medical records were reviewed for the primary diagnosis, the symptoms, the degree of hydronephrosis, the location of obstruction, stent failure, the time period until stent replacement due to stent failure, the complications and the status at the last followup. Results: A total 62 patients underwent an attempt at retrograde ureteral stenting for malignant extrinsic obstruction. The mean patient age was 57.6 years(range: 32-84) and the mean follow-up was 12.6 months. 44 patients(71%) were women, and the most common cancer diagnoses were cervical cancer(19), rectal cancer(16) and stomach cancer(11). A total of 23 patients(37%) required immediate percutaneous nephrostomy(PCN) referral. A total of 14 patients experienced late failure and required PCN. A total of 39 patients underwent stent replacement at a mean interval of 3.5 months. Conclusions: At almost 1 year follow-up, stent failure due to extrinsic compression occurred in 55.7% of the patients(37 of 62). We should carefully monitor patient who undergo ureteral stenting for ongoing obstruction and complication.