Evaluation of a Double-Pigtail Ureteral Stent Fixation in Cats with Complete Ureteral Obstruction

The aim of this study was to evaluate double-pigtail ureteral stent fixation in cats. Medical records of 19 cats (23 ureters) with complete ureteral obstruction that double-pigtail ureteral stent placement were carried out were retrospectively reviewed. The cats were randomly classified into two groups; 13 cats (16 ureters) with double-pigtail ureteral stent fixed to urinary bladder (SF group) and 6 cats (7 ureters) with not fixed to urinary bladder (SNF group). The average age and weight of the cats was 7.4 years and 3.73 kg, respectively. Postoperative complications included chronic renal failure (n = 11), lower urinary track diseases (cystitis, hematuria, pollakiuria) (n = 7), stent migration (n = 6), anemia (n = 5), ascites (n = 2), hyperthermia (n = 1), enteritis (n = 1), oliguria (n = 1), hypotension (n = 1), ureteritis (n = 1), and pyelonephritis (n = 1). Stent migration did not occur in the 16 ureters of the cats in SF group but did occur in 4 out of 7 ureters of the cats in SNF group. The prevention of stent migration by stent fixation was significant (P = 0.04). Among the 13 cats in SF group, only 2 cats developed lower urinary track diseases, while 4 of the 6 cats in SNF group showed symptoms of lower urinary track disease. Thus, the cats that underwent double-pigtail ureteral stent fixation to the urinary bladder developed significantly fewer lower urinary diseases (P = 0.046). In conclusion, double-pigtail ureteral stent fixation to the urinary bladder for treatment of complete ureteral obstruction in cats can effectively prevent stent migration, which is common complication of stent placement.