Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report

Abstract Background Double-J stent placement is a common and generally safe procedure in urology. However, rare complications such as stent misplacement into vascular structures can occur, posing significant risks. The case presented herein highlights an exceedingly rare complication of stent mispla...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nasibeh Hasani, Amir Afyouni, Ahmadreza Haddadi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05277-0
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849326009963249664
author Nasibeh Hasani
Amir Afyouni
Ahmadreza Haddadi
author_facet Nasibeh Hasani
Amir Afyouni
Ahmadreza Haddadi
author_sort Nasibeh Hasani
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Double-J stent placement is a common and generally safe procedure in urology. However, rare complications such as stent misplacement into vascular structures can occur, posing significant risks. The case presented herein highlights an exceedingly rare complication of stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava during the management of a vesicovaginal fistula, emphasizing the importance of prompt recognition and multidisciplinary intervention. Case presentation In February 2023, a 48-year-old Iranian woman with history of total abdominal hysterectomy presented with complaints of watery vaginal discharge 1 month postoperatively. She was diagnosed with a vesicovaginal fistula and underwent cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, and attempted placement of a double-J stent. Intraoperatively, the stent was found to be misplaced in the suprarenal segment of the inferior vena cava, near the right atrium, as confirmed by postoperative imaging. The patient subsequently underwent laparotomy for stent removal and ureteral reimplantation. A multidisciplinary surgical team, including vascular surgeons, participated in the procedure to mitigate potential complications. The stent was successfully removed via ureteroscopy without complications, and the ureter was reconnected to the bladder. The patient was followed up for 3 months after stent removal. She remained asymptomatic, with no recurrence of urinary leakage, ureteral obstruction, or thrombotic complications. Follow-up imaging confirmed proper ureteral healing and the absence of any further stent migration. At the final follow-up, the patient reported full recovery with no discomfort or residual symptoms. Written informed consent for publication of this case and accompanying images was obtained from both the patient and the hospital’s ethics committee. Conclusion This case demonstrates the need for vigilance during stent placement, particularly in patients with altered anatomy. It also underscores the value of timely imaging to identify complications and the importance of a multidisciplinary surgical approach in ensuring successful outcomes. The report contributes to the literature on managing rare urological complications and highlights the role of advanced endoscopic and surgical techniques.
format Article
id doaj-art-e54dac0a152b403981a34b8a29247cfd
institution Kabale University
issn 1752-1947
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series Journal of Medical Case Reports
spelling doaj-art-e54dac0a152b403981a34b8a29247cfd2025-08-20T03:48:15ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-05-011911410.1186/s13256-025-05277-0Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case reportNasibeh Hasani0Amir Afyouni1Ahmadreza Haddadi2Department of Gynecology, Shariati HospitalDepartment of Urology, Shariati HospitalShariati HospitalAbstract Background Double-J stent placement is a common and generally safe procedure in urology. However, rare complications such as stent misplacement into vascular structures can occur, posing significant risks. The case presented herein highlights an exceedingly rare complication of stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava during the management of a vesicovaginal fistula, emphasizing the importance of prompt recognition and multidisciplinary intervention. Case presentation In February 2023, a 48-year-old Iranian woman with history of total abdominal hysterectomy presented with complaints of watery vaginal discharge 1 month postoperatively. She was diagnosed with a vesicovaginal fistula and underwent cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, and attempted placement of a double-J stent. Intraoperatively, the stent was found to be misplaced in the suprarenal segment of the inferior vena cava, near the right atrium, as confirmed by postoperative imaging. The patient subsequently underwent laparotomy for stent removal and ureteral reimplantation. A multidisciplinary surgical team, including vascular surgeons, participated in the procedure to mitigate potential complications. The stent was successfully removed via ureteroscopy without complications, and the ureter was reconnected to the bladder. The patient was followed up for 3 months after stent removal. She remained asymptomatic, with no recurrence of urinary leakage, ureteral obstruction, or thrombotic complications. Follow-up imaging confirmed proper ureteral healing and the absence of any further stent migration. At the final follow-up, the patient reported full recovery with no discomfort or residual symptoms. Written informed consent for publication of this case and accompanying images was obtained from both the patient and the hospital’s ethics committee. Conclusion This case demonstrates the need for vigilance during stent placement, particularly in patients with altered anatomy. It also underscores the value of timely imaging to identify complications and the importance of a multidisciplinary surgical approach in ensuring successful outcomes. The report contributes to the literature on managing rare urological complications and highlights the role of advanced endoscopic and surgical techniques.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05277-0Hysterectomy complicationUreterovaginal fistulaDouble-J stentStent misplacementUrological complications
spellingShingle Nasibeh Hasani
Amir Afyouni
Ahmadreza Haddadi
Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Hysterectomy complication
Ureterovaginal fistula
Double-J stent
Stent misplacement
Urological complications
title Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
title_full Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
title_fullStr Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
title_short Ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double-J stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava: a case report
title_sort ureterovaginal fistula after hysterectomy with double j stent misplacement into the inferior vena cava a case report
topic Hysterectomy complication
Ureterovaginal fistula
Double-J stent
Stent misplacement
Urological complications
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05277-0
work_keys_str_mv AT nasibehhasani ureterovaginalfistulaafterhysterectomywithdoublejstentmisplacementintotheinferiorvenacavaacasereport
AT amirafyouni ureterovaginalfistulaafterhysterectomywithdoublejstentmisplacementintotheinferiorvenacavaacasereport
AT ahmadrezahaddadi ureterovaginalfistulaafterhysterectomywithdoublejstentmisplacementintotheinferiorvenacavaacasereport