Peak stent discomfort occurs early and ureteral stent with distal loop design has less paineA pilot prospective randomised singleblinded trial over 2 weeks

Objectives:The Polarisloop ureteric stent reduces the severity of stent discomfort by minimising stent material in the bladder.Early impact of ureteral stenting on quality of life(QoL)within 1 week remains unclear.The usefulness of the patient-administered ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire(USSQ)during this period of stent insertion was assessed.In this pilot single-blinded prospective randomised study,we investigate 1)the presence of early(within the 1st week)stent discomfort via the visual analog scale(VAS);2)determine the QoL of the loop stent against conventional stent.Methods:Forty adults requiring retrograde unilateral ureteral stent placements were enrolled.Patients with single ureteric stone or benign stricture were selected.Patients were randomised in 1:1 ratio to the loop and pigtail arm.The USSQ was administered before placement(baseline),USSQ and VAS were administered on Day 3,7,and 14.Results:There were no significant differences between the USSQ scores.Median pain scores on Day 3 were lower in the loop stent group(2.9 vs.4.0,pZ0.047).There was a significant reduction in pain from Day 3e7(0 vs.1,pZ0.016)in the pigtail group.Conclusions:Our results suggest that peak stent discomfort occurs but resolves quickly within 1 week of post-stent insertion.The loop stent offers a better pain profile compared with conventional stents at Day 3 but no difference in QoL.The loop stent reduces early pain experience post-stent insertion and may have a role in the care of patients who experience significant stent discomfort previously.