Symptoms Associated With Long-term Double-J Ureteral Stenting and Influence of Biofilms

To assess the symptoms associated with long-term Double-J ureteral stenting including the influence of biofilms on ureteral stents.

Patients with long-term (>8 weeks) uni- or bilateral ureteral stents completed the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) at the day of stent exchange. Repeated assessment of patients was possible to allow for analysis of intraindividual changes. Assessment of biofilm mass on the stents was performed according to a validated method, its correlation with the USSQ total score was defined as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included further analyses of stent-associated symptoms and their temporal course.

A total of 87 stent indwelling periods in 35 patients were investigated. Median USSQ total score did not differ significantly between unilateral and bilateral stenting (42 vs 39 points; P = .17). An increasing total stent treatment time up to study inclusion did not correlate with the USSQ total score, but was significantly correlated with less urinary symptoms and a better quality of life. USSQ total score and subscores within individual patients did not significantly increase or decrease over the sequence of stent indwelling periods. Higher total biofilm masses were not associated with higher USSQ total scores or subscores.

Long-term Double-J stenting provides a valuable treatment option, if stent-associated symptoms are low during the initial indwelling period. Thus, symptoms remain stable over the long-term course and the majority of patients are satisfied with the treatment. Furthermore, biofilm formation on ureteral stents does not seem to be the relevant driver of symptoms.