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Randomized evaluation of Ureteral Stents using validated Symptom Questionnaire
Courtney Lee1, Michael Kuskowski, Juan Premoli
1Department of Urologic Surgery, University of Minnesota and VAHCS Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Journal of Endourology
|October 29, 2005
Summary
The Bard Inlay ureteral stent demonstrated fewer urinary symptoms compared to other designs. The Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) effectively measured these differences.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Ureteral stents frequently cause patient discomfort, including pain and urinary symptoms.
- Stent design and material modifications aim to reduce associated morbidity.
- This study investigates the comparative efficacy of different ureteral stent designs in minimizing patient symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ureteral stent modifications on patient-reported symptoms.
- To identify which 6F ureteral stent design, among those provided by manufacturers as least uncomfortable, results in the least patient morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Patients undergoing ureteroscopy were randomized to receive one of five 6F ureteral stents.
- The Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was administered on days 1, 3, and 5 post-procedure.
- Narcotic use was tracked via a patient diary; data were analyzed using ANOVA and nonparametric methods.
Main Results:
- Urinary symptom scores were significantly lower on day 3 for the Bard Inlay stent compared to the Vertex, Contour, Endo-Sof, and Classic stents.
- No significant differences were observed in pain scores or overall narcotic consumption among the stent groups.
- A total of 44 patients (73%) completed all USSQ questionnaires.
Conclusions:
- The Bard Inlay ureteral stent is associated with reduced urinary symptom severity.
- The Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) proves to be a sensitive instrument for detecting differences in patient-reported outcomes between ureteral stents.