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Ureteric stenting with magnetic retrieval: an alternative to traditional methods

Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) volume 189, pages 289–293 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Ureteric stents are frequently placed following endo-urological procedures. These stents cause significant morbidity for patients. Standard ureteric stents are removed by flexible cystoscopy. This procedure can be unpleasant for patients and requires additional resources. A newly designed magnetic stent allows removal in an outpatient setting. The aim of our study is to compare the magnetic stent and standard ureteric stents with regard to morbidity, pain on stent removal and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

This study was carried out across two sites between September 2016 and July 2017. In site A, a magnetic stent (Urotech, Black-Star®) is removed by magnetic retrieval device. Fifty consecutive patients completed the validated Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at the time of stent removal. On site B, a soft polyurethane stent (Cook Universa) was removed by flexible cystoscopy. Fifty patients were identified retrospectively and completed questionnaires by post. Cost analysis was also performed.

Results

One hundred questionnaires were included for analysis. No significant difference in stent morbidity as assessed by the USSQ was shown between both groups. Median duration of stenting was significantly shorter in the magnetic stent group (5.5 versus 21.5 days, p < 0.001). Mean pain on stent removal was significantly less with magnetic retrieval (2.9 versus 3.9, p < 0.05). Complication rates were similar in both groups. Cost analysis showed a cost saving of €203 per patient with the magnetic stent group.

Conclusion

Magnetic stents cause similar morbidity for patients compared with standard stents removed by flexible cystoscopy; they are associated with less pain at removal and are cost saving.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland

    John A. O’Kelly, Usman M. Haroon, Kieran J. Breen, Barry B. McGuire, Ijaz A. Cheema, Liza McLornan & James C. Forde

  2. Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    Usman M. Haroon, Abdul J. Rauf, Kieran J. Breen, Barry B. McGuire, Ijaz A. Cheema, Liza McLornan & James C. Forde

Authors
  1. John A. O’Kelly
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  2. Usman M. Haroon
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  3. Abdul J. Rauf
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  4. Kieran J. Breen
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  5. Barry B. McGuire
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  6. Ijaz A. Cheema
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  7. Liza McLornan
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  8. James C. Forde
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Contributions

JA O’Kelly: project development, data collection/management, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing

UM Haroon: project development, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing

A Rauf: data collection/management

KJ Breen: project management/manuscript writing/editing

BB Maguire: project development

IA Cheema: project development

L McLornan: project development

JC Forde: project development, manuscript writing/editing

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John A. O’Kelly.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

This study has been approved by the ethical review board at both Connolly and Beaumont Hospitals and was performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

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O’Kelly, J.A., Haroon, U.M., Rauf, A.J. et al. Ureteric stenting with magnetic retrieval: an alternative to traditional methods. Ir J Med Sci 189, 289–293 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-019-02075-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-019-02075-8

Keywords

  • Double J stent
  • Flexible cystoscopy
  • JJ stent
  • Magnetic stent
  • Stent symptoms
  • Ureteric stent
  • Ureteroscopy