Use of a magnetic double J stent in pediatric patients: A case-control study at two Canadian pediatric centers.

BACKGROUND

Ureteral stents with magnetic tips (Blackstar©) were recently approved for use in Canada. To our knowledge this is the first published evidence of their use in pediatric patients. Traditionally, pediatric stent insertion and removal are performed under general anesthetic. Magnetic stents have three main benefits in pediatric patients; cost savings, decreased OR time and reduced general anesthetic exposure.

METHODS

This study was a proof of concept pilot, ran from May 2017-May 2018 to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of magnetic stents in pediatric patients. Patients undergoing ureteroscopy, ureteric re-implantation, and pyeloplasty with simultaneous magnetic stent insertion. Forty (40) patients had regular double J stents removed under anesthesia and served as control cases, and 40 patients had a magnetic double J at initial surgery at two different sites, CHU de Quebec and Alberta Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

Overall, 39 magnetic stents were successfully retrieved without general anesthetic, representing a retrieval failure rate of only 2.5%.

CONCLUSION

As demonstrated in our research, magnetic stents represent a safe and equally effective alternative to traditional stents, especially in a pediatric patient. This is because, at worst, if retrieval of the magnetic stent fails, traditional cystoscopic removal can be performed, so nothing is lost.

STUDY TYPE: Case-control study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.