Does bacterial colonization influence ureteral stent-associated morbidity? A prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Ureteral stents are commonly used in urological procedures.
• Stent-associated morbidity can significantly impact patient quality of life.
• The role of bacterial colonization in stent morbidity requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of bacterial colonization on ureteral stent-associated morbidity.
• To determine the relationship between stent indwelling time and bacterial colonization.
• To assess the utility of stent cultures versus urine cultures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 115 patients undergoing ureteral stent placement (February 2019 - March 2022).
• Assessment of stent-associated morbidity using the Arabic version of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) on stent removal.
• Comparison of stent and midstream urine cultures for bacterial detection.

Main Results:

• Stent colonization occurred in 15.6% of patients, with E. coli being the most frequent organism.
• Positive stent cultures were associated with significantly longer stent indwelling times.
• Colonized stents correlated with higher USSQ scores for pain, urinary symptoms, work performance, and additional problems.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial colonization of ureteral stents is a contributing factor to stent-related morbidity.
• Stent colonization prevalence increases with duration of stent retention.
• Stent cultures are not clinically necessary as urine cultures identify the same pathogens.