Initial experience with a newly developed antirefluxive ureter stent

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Nephrology

Background:

• Ureteral stents are crucial for managing acute ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis.
• Conventional double-J (DJ) stents can be associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and patient discomfort.
• Developing improved stent designs is essential for enhancing treatment efficacy and patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional efficacy of novel antirefluxive ureter stents (DJ).
• To compare the incidence of VUR between antirefluxive and conventional DJ stents.
• To assess stent-related symptoms using the ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire (USSQ).

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving patients with acute ureteral obstruction requiring DJ stent placement.
• Patients received either an antirefluxive DJ stent or a conventional DJ stent.
• Immediate post-stenting cystograms were performed to detect VUR, and patients completed the USSQ at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was observed in 62.5% of patients with conventional stents versus 22% with antirefluxive stents.
• Patients with antirefluxive stents reported lower mean pain scores (1.1 vs. 3) one week post-implantation.
• Incidence of flank pain during micturition and at one week post-insertion was notably lower in the antirefluxive group.

Conclusions:

• The antirefluxive DJ stent system demonstrates promising efficacy in preventing VUR.
• Antirefluxive stents may significantly reduce stent-related symptoms, including pain and discomfort.
• This novel stent design holds potential for improving patient outcomes and tolerance in ureteral stenting procedures.