Magnetic Ureteral Stents Are Feasible in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Insertion of ureteral catheters is a common procedure in kidney transplantation. The stent is usually removed by cystoscope. Magnetic ureteral stents may be an alternative to conventional stents.

Objective: To assess the functional efficacy and feasibility of magnetic double J (DJ) stents in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods: We used 6 Fr (diameter), 22 cm (length) magnetic DJs. We examined 7 cases of exclusively ABO-identical living donations. Stent were removed 10–12 days after transplantation. Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to determine quality of life and pain of the recipients. The total removal time was recorded and cost reduction was calculated.

Results: Removal of the magnetic DJ was successful in all cases. The mean±SD duration of the removal was 3.4±1.6 min. The mean±SD overall pain score on the VAS during the procedure was 2.6±1.1. Using this technique was associated with a cost reduction of € 130.

Conclusion: Using magnetic ureteral stents is a feasible option for living donation AB0-identical kidney transplant recipients.