Open pyeloplasty in children: Experience with an improved stenting technique

Objective: To describe the use of an alternative and improved nephrostostent in open pyeloplasty procedures. Materials and Methods: A series of 27 consecutive patients (between 4 months and 14 years of age) undergoing an open pyeloplasty procedure had their urinary system drained via a nephrostostent which passes from the ureteric anastomosis to the skin and which unlike other described nephrostostents does not cross the vesico-ureteric junction. All children received an ultrasound and MAG3 scan 3 months post-operatively and were followed up for 18-24 months. Results: The use of this stent was associated with no serious complications. There was a decreased incidence of vesico-ureteric reflux, post-operative urinary tract infection and stent displacement compared to previously described methods of drainage. Conclusion: This method of open pyeloplasty drainage, which has not been described before, could be associated with fewer complications than existing stenting techniques.