A case report on the management of neglected and forgotten DJ stent for 18 years with severe encrustation and giant bladder stone

Ureteral stents play a vital role in urologic surgeries, aiding in urinary flow maintenance, obstruction alleviation and facilitating healing. However, when stents are forgotten, they can lead to encrustation, resulting in significant patient morbidity and posing challenges for urologists Stent-related complications have been shown to increase with the duration of time the stent is left in place. This report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment of a 68-year-old male patient had a neglected stent placed 18 years ago after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. He presented with severe stent encrustation, a solitary giant bladder stone, and renal stones. The patient underwent a cystolithotomy to remove the bladder stone followed by an ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy with pneumatic lithotripsy in a separate procedure. Preventive strategies such as implementing a stent registry, enhancing patient education, and encouraging follow-up appointments are crucial to avoid such complications.