Reduction in Stent Related Symptoms Using the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) Following Endourological Procedures with the Use of Novel Triple J Dalela Stent. A Short Term Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stent related symptoms (SRS) are common after placement of DJ stent. Various tudies have shown decreased SRS with changes in stent length, stent diameter and stent material. Here we present a prospective cohort study on the effects of SRS using a novel Triple J Dalela stent with assessment of SRS using the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). Methods: All first hundred consecutive patients being operated at our centre for renal/ ureteral stone disease from December 2024 to April 2025 were included in this study. Exclusion factors included bilateral stone disease deranged renal function, history of cancer urinary bladder, genitourinary tuberculosis, interstitial cystitis and patients with deranged coagulation parameters. Symptom assessment was done using USSQ questionnaire in the post-operative period at 1st week, 4th week and at the time of stent removal. Stent removal was done routinely at 6 weeks unless the patient complained of severe SRS. Results: All of the 100 patients were followed up till stent removal. The median indwelling stent duration was 47 days. SRS were recorded based on the USSQ aspects of urinary symptoms, pain symptoms, sexual dysfunction and work performance. SRS were recorded after 1 week, 4 week of stent insertion and lastly at the time of stent removal. Urinary symptoms and pain symptoms were the major cause affliction with occurrence of urgency and dysuria at week 1 (21% & 17%), week 4 (24% &20%) and at time of stent removal (25% & 22%). Pain symptoms were most common in the loin area occurring in almost 30% patient while pain in supra pubic area was reported by 25%. Sexual side effects were less common and probably psychogenic. A majority of patients reported some sort of limitation while performing work. Conclusion: SRS are a significant cause of morbidity for patients undergoing dj stenting following endourological procedures. New stent designs like this Triple J Dalela stent may help in alleviation of these symptoms.