Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP75-06
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

Double J ureteral stents can cause major discomfort. Nevertheless, they are still often used at the end of ureteroscopy. The Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) is a specific validated tool to evaluate the impact of ureteral stents on different aspects of life._x000D_ The objective of our study was to evaluate how patients tolerate ureteral stent after ureteroscopy using the USSQ.

Methods

A prospective single-institutional observational study was organized. Since January 2010 to October 2015, after a semirigid or flexible ureteroscopy with double J positioning, patients were asked to complete the validated Italian version of the USSQ. The USSQ consists of 6 sections exploring urinary symptoms, body pain, general health, work performance, sexual matters, additional problems and general satisfaction._x000D_ Endpoint of the study was to assess the true extent of stent-related symptoms in the population and their impact on quality of life.

Results

232 patients completed the USSQ. 59% experienced a daily urinary frequency ≥ 1 hour. 90% had ≥ 1 micturition during the night. 87% complained of urgency, 37% of urge incontinence. 82% experienced burning at voiding and 81% sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. 69% had episodes of macroscopic hematuria. Urinary symptoms represented a problem for 88%. 79% would feel unhappy if they had to spend the rest of their life with their urinary symptoms. The stent was cause of pain or discomfort in 83%. Median Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was 5 (range 0-10). Pain was felt in the kidney back area by 31%, in the kidney front/side area by 26% and in the bladder area by 31%. 73% complained of pain during physical activities. Pain caused sleep interruption in 44%, occurred at voiding in 77% and interfered with everyday life in 77%. 47% used painkillers. General health, working and sexual activity were also negatively influenced by the stent: patients needed bed rest for a median of 2 days and reduced their daily activities for a median of 5 half days, 45% reduced their usual working hours and 46% stopped sexual life after stent insertion. 62% of patients would be unsatisfied (52% unhappy or terrible) if further ureteral stenting would be proposed in future._x000D_

Conclusions

Double J ureteral stents after ureteroscopy heavily affect all USSQ domains and patients&[prime] quality of life. Pain, urinary and sexual symptoms adversely influence daily life and working activity in the majority of patients. Stents should be placed only when absolutely needed and should be left in place as short as possible.

Funding

None