Allium ureteral stent for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction: A median term study

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Allium ureteral stents for the maintenance therapy of malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO). Clinical data of 25 patients (27 sides) with ureteral obstruction caused by a malignant tumor from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative ultrasonography and computed tomography urography indicated hydronephrosis and MUO. Allium ureteral stents were placed using a retrograde or antegrade approach. Therapeutic effects and complications were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare continuous variables between the preoperative and the last follow-up. A total of 25 patients (27 sides) were included in this study. After a follow-up time of 18 (11–29) months, the width of hydronephrosis [1.6 (1.0–2.2) cm vs 2.6 (1.2–3.3) cm, P = .000], glomerular filtration rate [83.8 (58.1–86.4) mL/minutes/1.73 m2 vs 74.5 (56.8–79.1) mL/minutes/1.73 m2, P = .001] and score of ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire [77 (76–79) vs 100 (98–103), P = .000] was significantly improved. Stent migration occurred in 3 of the 25 patients within 3 months after surgery. All patients with complications were followed up for at least 6 months after stent adjustment or exchange, and no other complications were found. Two patients died because of malignant complications. The stent patency rate was 88.9% (24/27) after the first operation, and 100% (27/27) after complications were treated. The Allium ureteral stent is safe and effective for the maintenance therapy of MUO, which can dramatically relieve the symptoms of patients. Stent migration is a major complication that can be resolved by endoscopic adjustment.