Ureteral stent removal within 30 days after kidney transplantation and the risk of urinary tract infection: a single-center retrospective study

Ureteral stent placement during kidney transplantation is routinely performed to reduce major urological complications (MUCs). However, the optimal duration of stent indwelling remains controversial because prolonged stenting may increase the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), while early removal raises concern regarding ureteral healing. This single-center retrospective study included 342 kidney transplant recipients between June 2020 and September 2024 with 180 days of postoperative follow-up. Patients were grouped according to ureteral stent removal timing: ≤30 days or >30 days. The outcomes were UTI within 180 days after transplantation, MUCs and other postoperative complications . Among 342 recipients, 228 underwent ureteral stent removal within 30 days and 114 after 30 days. The incidence of UTI did not differ significantly between groups (21.5% vs 24.6%). Most UTIs occurred within the first two postoperative months regardless of stent removal timing. Late MUCs were observed only in the >30-day group (3.5%). In multivariable analysis, stent removal timing was not independently associated with UTI. Ureteral stent removal within 30 days after kidney transplantation appears safe in uncomplicated recipients and was not associated with an increased risk of UTI or late MUCs. Prolonged stent indwelling beyond 30 days did not demonstrate a protective effect against subsequent MUCs.