Systematic use of magnetic double J stent in pediatric kidney transplantation: a single-center experience

Background: The intraoperative insertion of a double J stent (DJS) is known to reduce urological complications and is broadly accepted in kidney transplant (KTx) patients. The magnetic ureteral DJS (mDJS) represents a valid alternative device as it can be removed without cystoscopy, using a transurethral magnet. This is of particular importance in the pediatrics, allowing us to avoid cystoscopy requiring general anesthesia (GA) in this population. To date, few data are available on the systematic use of mDJS in pediatric patients undergoing KTx. Methods: We report a retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive pediatric KTx at our center from July 2020 to December 2021. Results: Ureteral stents remained in place for a median of 35 days (range: 12-76). Non-surgical magnetic removal of the mDJS was attempted in all cases without complications. In most cases (69%), the removal procedure was performed in an outpatient clinic. In 10 cases, the mDJS was removed in the operating room under sedation before removal of the abdominal Tenckhoff catheter. All patients were clinically followed (range: 3-15 months). Conclusions: We confirm the safety and feasibility of systematic use of mDJS in the setting of pediatric KTx. The systematic use of this device contributes to reduce the need for GA and the rate of hospital admission.