Urinary lithiasis is a common pathology in the modern era. Its significance lies in the possible complications that may arise as well as in its potential for recurrence. The treatment and prevention of recurrences of urinary lithiasis often require the intervention of several specialists: urologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, biochemists, etc. In the last 20 years, the treatment strategy for urinary lithiasis has changed, with minimally invasive methods replacing laparoscopic or open surgery. These are effective and have rare complications. Whichever treatment method is chosen, it may be necessary to temporarily divert the upper urinary tract by inserting double J catheters for preventive, curative, or palliative purposes. Ureteral catheters have had to be improved over time to avoid two major incidents: their migration and colonization. Various materials were used, varying the shape, size, length, guide as well as approaches. The urinary infection-urolithiasis association is frequent, without always being able to specify the cause-effect relationship. The rate of urinary colonization appears to be influenced by the presence of stent colonization as well as the time since the implant. The association of chronic diseases or emergency insertion is associated with an increased risk of urinary colonization. Complications induced by the time of the double J catheter being implanted are rare, and minor and disappear with its removal. In the case of failure to insert a double J ureteral catheter, the alternative would be to perform an ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy. Double J ureteral catheter insertion is an effective minimally invasive option in the treatment of obstructive urolithiasis.
Background: The highlighting of possible risk factors for urinary colonization in patients with obstructive urolithiasis that needed double J catheters implanted to preserve renal function. Methods: We performed a descriptive, retrospective study, carried out in the Urology Department of the Bucharest Central Military Hospital, between January 2020 and January 2022 and included 168 patients with urolithiasis who required the insertion of double J catheters. We studied the bacteriological profile, using both urine and JJ catheter samples. Results: We obtained a double J catheter colonization rate of 32% (54 patients) and 29% of urinary colonization (49 patients). The rate of urinary colonization is higher in patients with colonized ureteral catheters regardless of sex, age, and associated comorbidities. At the same time, we noticed an increased rate of urinary colonization in patients associated with diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of urinary colonization in patients with double J catheters was 29%. The colonization of the JJ catheters, as well as the association with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), show an increased risk of urinary colonization.