Patient experiences and preferences with ureteral stent removal

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Ureteral stents are commonly used but their removal can cause significant patient morbidity.
• Understanding patient experiences is crucial for improving post-procedure care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient experiences with ureteral stent removal.
• To identify the preferred method of stent removal among patients.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 599 patients via a kidney stone website.
• Data collected included pain levels, overall experience, and preferences for removal methods.
• Statistical analyses (Chi-square, ANOVA) were used to compare removal techniques.

Main Results:

• 571 patients completed the survey; 44% had stents removed via office cystoscopy, 39% by string.
• 57% reported moderate-to-severe pain (≥4/10) during removal, with office cystoscopy yielding the highest pain scores (5.3/10).
• 32% experienced delayed severe pain, and 9% required emergency care; string removal led to more ER visits than cystoscopy.

Conclusions:

• Most patients experience moderate-to-severe pain during ureteral stent removal, with a significant portion reporting delayed pain.
• Patient experiences and willingness to repeat a removal method differ based on the technique used.
• Further research is necessary to develop strategies for preventing and managing adverse events associated with stent removal.