Risk factors for bacterial stent colonization in patients with a double J ureteral stent: a prospective study

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: Bacterial colonies were detected in 56.25% (27 out of 48) of the stents. Among the pathogens identified, Enterococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli 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.