Published online Dec 26, 2018. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i16.1160
Peer-review started: September 30, 2018
First decision: October 12, 2018
Revised: October 15, 2018
Accepted: October 22, 2018
Article in press: October 22, 2018
Published online: December 26, 2018
A rare case of ureteral stent displacement into the vena cava.
After admission, kidney, ureter, bladder X-ray (KUB) combined with computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed that the left ureteral stent was in the inferior vena cava (IVC).
Theoretically, faulty ureteral stent positioning or placement outside of the ureter is not a rare complication. However, stent displacement into the IVC makes the case more complex and dangerous. CT scans can confirm the diagnosis.
The laboratory tests showed normal plasma levels of hemoglobin (115 g/L, normal range 110-150 g/L) and minor gross hematuria (RBC3+).
CT reconstruction combined with KUB showed the left ureteral stent in the IVC. The upper pole of the stent was at the kidney level and the lower pole was inside the bladder.
Pathological examination was not necessary in this case.
Based on previous experiences, we performed the operation laparoscopically and removed the stent successfully.
Ureteral stent displacement is defined as the stent not being in the right position but somewhere outside the ureter. Typically, the stent may only be placed in the nearby fat tissue and does not cause severe complications and sequelae.
The ureteral stent has to be placed under X-ray guidance. Displacement of the stent should be suspected when unusual or unexpected bleeding occurs after endoscopic surgery.