Removal of proximally migrated double J ureteric stent through a percutaneous nephrostomy route in an infant

Abstract

Proximal migration of double J-stent (DJ stent) can be a reason for failure of its cystoscopic removal. Antegrade percutaneous nephrostomic removal of the stent can be done in such cases. Although the technique is described in adults and older children, the technique requires some modification when used in infants because of smaller calibre of pelvicalyceal system. Here we describe a case of a 6 month old male child who was treated by robotic assisted pyeloplasty for left sided ureteropelvic junction obstruction followed by placement of DJ stent. Cystoscopic removal of the stent 6 weeks after surgery was not possible due to proximal migration of the stent. Hence, antegrade percutaneous nephrostomic removal of the stent was performed using micro-snare. Certain novel technical modifications, like advancement of a diagnostic angiographic catheter in pelvicalyceal system, has been used in this case to reduce the risk of urothelial injury. Thus, antegrade removal of DJ stent with few technical modifications can be used safely in infants for removal of proximally migrated stents.