Risk factors for bacterial stent colonization in patients with a double J ureteral stent: a prospective study
Prakash Mainali, Prajjwol Luitel, Sujan Paudel, Ishwor Thapaliya, Uttam Sharma, Suman Chapagain, Pratima Gautam, Bhoj Raj Luitel, Pawan Raj Chalise
Abstract
Background: The increasing use of double J ureteral stents (DJS) has increased the risk of early intolerance and long-term complications. Studies have reported stent colonization rates ranging from 19 to 90% with various bacterial profiles in the colonization of stents. Objectives: To identify the risk factors associated with bacterial colonization of DJS and report the common micro-organisms isolated and drug susceptibility pattern. Methods: This study is a prospective study of patients who underwent DJS. A total of 48 patients from our institution were studied between March 2022 and August 2023. After the removal of DJS with a sterile technique, the tips of both ends (renal end and bladder end) of the stent were cut and processed in the microbiology lab. Results: were the most frequently isolated. The colonization rate increased with the duration of stent placement and albuminuria. Conclusions: The study indicated that prolonged indwelling time and albuminuria are a risk factor for bacterial colonization on the stent therefore, it is advisable to use double J ureteral stent only when absolutely necessary and to remove them promptly.