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Published on: September 18, 2015
Magnetic Double-J-Stent Removal Without General Anaesthesia in Children
W Brillat Arce1, R N Vuille-Dit-Bille1, S G Holland-Cunz1
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital of Basel.
Objectives:
To show the feasibility of magnetic double-J-stent (mDJS) removal without general anaesthesia in infants and children.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of mDJS removals was conducted between February 2018 and July 2020 in a cohort of 32 consecutive paediatric patients. Only patients with unilateral ureteric stenting were included. Stent retrieval was performed in an outpatient setting. In males the junction of the retrieval-catheter and the mDJS was confirmed by transabdominal ultrasound. All patients were followed-up for 4-12 weeks after stent removal.
Results:
Thirty-two patients (54% males) were included. Median age was 3.8 years (range 1 month - 15 years). Ureteral stents remained in place for a median of 67.5 days (range 2 days - 6 months). General anaesthesia was necessary in one single patient due to expressed patient's and caregiver's wish. Thirty-one patients had stent removal without need for general anaesthesia. Thereof, nitrous oxide was used in 12 patients (37.5%), fentanyl in 3 patients (9.4%), midazolam in 3 patients (9.4%), and 17 patients (53.1%) did not need sedation at all. Seven patients (21.9%) being 8 months or younger had received peroral saccharosis. No complications occurred during stent removal. Retrieval was successful at first catheterization in 30 patients (93.8%). Two male patients needed a second catheterization (6.3%).
Conclusion:
The use of magnetic DJS is safe in the paediatric population and spares general anaesthesia during removal in almost all patients.
