Objective: Various ureteral stents have been developed to reduce ureteral stent-related discomfort. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the efficacy and morbidity of three different ureteral stents.
Materials and methods: Between June 2012 and May 2013, patients who underwent ureteral stent insertion after ureteroscopic stone removal were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive three different stents (group 1, Endo-Sof™ double-pigtail ureteral stent, Cook Medical; group 2, Enhanced Durometer loop stent, Bioteq; group 3, Polaris™ Ultra ureteral stent, Boston Scientific). Ninety patients who met the inclusion criteria were administered the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) preoperatively, after 2 weeks with the stent in situ and 4 weeks after its removal. The Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS), presence of gross hematuria and ultrasound for hydronephrosis grade were checked at 2 weeks with the stent in situ and 4 weeks after its removal.
Results: After stent insertion, the degree of hydronephrosis was not significantly different among the three groups. Patients in group 3 showed significantly less increase in the total IPSS and storage symptom subscores than did those in the other groups. Mean VAPS after ureteral stent insertion was significantly lower in group 3 than in the other groups. The presence of gross hematuria after ureteral stent insertion occurred more frequently in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3.
Conclusions: The Polaris Ultra ureteral stent showed similar efficacy and favorable tolerability in regard to bladder irritation symptoms, stent-related pain and presence of gross hematuria compared with other stents.
Keywords: Complications; randomized controlled trial; stents; ureter.