Minimally invasive drainage of the upper urinary tract by putting ureteral stents is an accepted and widespread procedure in case of obstructive pyelonephritis and renal colic, including symptomatic upper urinary tract dilation in pregnant women. In addition, ureteral stenting has a wide range of indications in reconstructive interventions, in which it is necessary to “strengthen” the ureter for various periods of time, and is also used as a palliative measure to ensure the outflow of urine in incurable patients. At the same time, in order to avoid stent-associated complications, it is necessary to regular carefully evaluate patients, remembering the “palliative nature” of such procedures, and to correctly choose the indications for the stent placement. Our article describes combinations of problems in treatment tactics by putting ureteral stents, which led to a life-threatening purulent destructive complication and the need for nephroureterectomy.

Keywords: stent-associated complications, pyonephrosis, stone formation, upper urinary tract, ureteral stent