To Evaluate the Effects of Tamsulosin, Solifenacin and Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Ureteral Stent Associated Symptoms

Abstract

The use of ureteral stents in surgery was described as early as the 19th century [1]. Zimskind, however, in 1967 was the first to describe the cystoscopic placement of indwelling ureteral stents for obstructed ureters [2] (Zimskind et al, 1967). The first “double-J” (DJ) or double pigtail stent was developed almost simultaneously by Finney and Hepperlen [3] (Finney, 1978; Hepperlen et al, 1978). The use of DJ stents increased dramatically in urology departments worldwide, which had a tremendous positive impact on endourologic surgery and patient care. Today, ureteral stents are of fundamental importance to any urologic practice. The double-J stent, which is the most common form of ureteral stent, is used in obstructive pyelonephritis, intolerable acute renal colic, ureteral edema, ureter perforation following endoscopic procedures, and diseases such as steinstrasse [4,5]. The patients experience various stent-related symptoms, such as pain, frequency, and urgency causing significant decrease in patient quality of life in both genders [6]. The etiology of these symptoms is unknown. Thomas in year 1993 reported that an important factor of stent-related symptoms is the reflux of urine due to pressure transmitted to the renal pelvis during urination, smooth muscle spasm and trigonal mucosal irritation by the intravesicular part of the stent [7]. Abstract