Ureteral stents: impact of diameter and composition on patient symptoms

We prospectively analyzed three types of ureteral stents to determine the effects of diameter and composition on a patient's symptoms. Twenty stents were placed consecutively in each of the three study groups for the treatment of ureteral obstruction, prior to SWL, or following ureteroscopy: Group I = 6F Percuflex stent, Group II = 6F HydroPlus stent, and Group III = 4.8F HydroPlus stent. All stents were removed in clinic 7 to 10 days after placement. At this time, a confidential questionnaire was completed by the patient addressing the symptoms associated with the indwelling catheter. The 6F hydrogel-coated stents were somewhat easier to insert, especially in high-grade obstructions. Occasional difficulty in seeing the 4.8F stent during fluoroscopy was noted. No statistically significant difference in any of the irritative voiding symptoms-dysuria (P = 0.7998), urgency (P = 0.0928), frequency (P = 0.2646), nocturia (P = 0.2855), hematuria (P = 0.9417), pain (P = 0.4524), or incontinence (P = 0.4524)-was demonstrated. Differences in stent diameter and composition do not appear to affect symptoms. We prefer the hydrogel-coated 6F stent, as it offers advantages in ease of placement and radiographic visibility without increased symptoms.