Outcomes of bladder neck botulinum toxin injection for female primary bladder neck obstruction-does subjective improvement correlate with an objective assessment?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Common options for management of primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) in women include medications and surgical treatment. Less invasive treatment such as bladder neck botulinum toxin injection can be an alternate therapy in patients with failed conservative management. In this study, we describe the subjective and objective outcomes, patient satisfaction, and willingness for repeat treatment with bladder neck botulinum toxin injection in females with PBNO. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ten female PBNO patients managed with bladder neck botulinum toxin injection was performed. Subjective parameters were quantified with symptom assessment, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Quality of life (QoL) score. Objective parameters were assessed with maximum flow rate (Qmax) in uroflowmetry and postvoid residual (PVR). RESULTS: The mean pre-treatment IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, PVR was 24.2 ± 5.0, 4.8 ± 0.63, 5.73 ± 3.18 ml/s, and 210 ± 66 ml, respectively. Seven of the ten patients subjectively improved (IPSS 12.9 ± 9.6, QoL2.9 ± 1.6, p < 0.05). Three patients improved objectively (mean Qmax 17.3 ± 2.7 ml/s, PVR 42.7 ± 7.5 ml, p < 0.05). Three patients accepted repeat botulinum toxin injection. Three patients who showed no improvement underwent bladder neck incision with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin can be an intermediary therapy in female patients with PBNO who want a minimally invasive procedure.

Recurrent Hemangioma of the Penile Urethra - An Unusual Etiology of Gross Hematuria Managed Successfully with Holmium Laser Coagulation.

Urethral hemangioma is a benign uncommon vascular tumor. It presents with hematuria and macroscopic urethrorrhagia. Urethrocystoscopy is the main diagnostic modality. We share the case of a 14-year-old male child who presented with recurrent massive hematuria and was treated with urethra-cystoscopic holmium laser coagulation.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Renal calculi in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not uncommon. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a standard treatment for large renal calculi. PCNL in CKD has been a subject of debate as it may improve the renal function with stone clearance but may be associated with an increased complication rate. Studying the impact of PCNL in CKD patients is of utmost significance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL in patients with renal insufficiency in order to provide clinicians expected outcomes to effectively counsel patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of clinical trials reporting the outcomes of PCNL in CKD patients. The search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. All studies with a minimum of 15 patients carried out in the last 20 years were selected. A total of 13 studies involving 2,192 patients were included for final analysis. The pre-operative and post-operative renal function was compared. Post-procedure complications were analysed. Evidence Analysis: The majority of patients in all studies except one had either improvement or stabilization in renal function. The complication rate was 31.9%, which was more than that in patients with normal renal function. CONCLUSION: Our review suggested that the majority of the patients of renal calculus with renal insufficiency are benefitted with PCNL in improving or preserving the renal function. But the post-operative complications are more in CKD and increases as the severity of renal insufficiency increases.

Recurrent Malignant Pheochromocytoma with Lymph Nodal Metastasis in a Child: A Rare Case.

Malignant pheochromocytoma in children manifesting as local recurrence with multiple lymph nodal metastasis is a rare entity. We report a case of a 14-year-old child with recurrent sporadic malignant pheochromocytoma presenting 8 years after primary surgery with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. The child underwent excision of the tumor along with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Histopathology confirmed pheochromocytoma with extensive lymph node metastasis. The patient has no signs of disease recurrence till date. This report supports the long-term follow-up and aggressive surgical approach to remove all foci of tumor in recurrent pheochromocytoma.

Can we predict the incidence of high-grade Clavien-Dindo complications in patients with forgotten encrusted stents undergoing endourologic management?

Objective: Ureteral stents are customarily inserted to facilitate urinary drainage, but they come with their own glitches of being forgotten and/or encrusted leading to serious consequences. The present study aimed to report the complications in patients with forgotten and encrusted stents according to the Clavien-Dindo system specific to urological procedures and identify the factors leading to high-grade (Clavien-Dindo Grade 4A or above) complications. Methods: The hospital records of patients with forgotten encrusted double-J stents over a period of 8 years were reviewed. The parameters recorded included patient demographics, indwelling time, need for percutaneous nephrostomy, hemodialysis, urine culture, blood culture, total blood counts, serum creatinine, radiologic findings, management techniques, number of surgical interventions, modified Clavien-Dindo complications, follow-up, and mortality, if any. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. The median age was 52 (range 6-85) years. Of the total, 25 (62.5%) patients had a "significant" stent load; 31 (77.5%) had renal failure or acute kidney injury on presentation; 19 (47.5%) patients had sepsis at presentation. Among the patients presented with sepsis, 11 (57.9%) patients demonstrated a positive urine culture; and 7/11 (63.6%) patients exhibited pan-resistant organisms. Twelve out of 40 (30.0%) patients in our series developed high-grade Clavien-Dindo complications. On univariate analysis, sepsis at presentation (p=0.007), stent load (p=0.031), diabetes (p=0.023), positive urine culture (p=0.007), and stent indwelling time of more than 1 year (p=0.031) were found to be significant. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, sepsis at presentation (p=0.017) and positive urine culture (p=0.016) were significant predictors for high-grade complications. Conclusion: It is prudent to identify specific risk factors, namely sepsis at presentation and positive urine culture to triage and optimize these patients before surgical management.

Management Outcomes of Large Renal Angiomyolipoma Presenting with Wunderlich Syndrome-Experience from a Tertiary Center.

Renal angiomyolipoma is an uncommon, benign-mixed mesenchymal tumor consisting of thick-walled blood vessels, smooth muscles, and mature adipose tissues. Twenty percent of these tumors are associated with tuberous sclerosis. Wunderlich syndrome (WS), an acute nontraumatic spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage, can be a presentation of large angiomyolipoma. This study evaluated the presentation, management, and complications of renal angiomyolipoma with WS in eight patients who presented to the emergency department between January 2019 and December 2021. The presenting symptoms included flank pain, palpable mass, hematuria, and bleeding in the perinephric space on computerized tomography. Demographic data, symptoms at presentation, comorbidities, hemodynamic parameters, the association with tuberous sclerosis, transfusion requirements, need for angioembolization, surgical management, Clavien-Dindo complication, duration of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rates were evaluated. The mean age of presentation was 38 years. Of the eight patients, five (62.5%) were females and 3(37.5%) were males. Two (25%) patients had tuberous sclerosis with angiomyolipoma, and three (37.5%) patients presented with hypotension. The mean packed cell transfusion was three units, and the mean tumor size was 7.85 cm (3.5-25 cm). Three of them (37.5%) required emergency angioembolization to prevent exsanguination. Embolization was unsuccessful in one patient (33%) who underwent emergency open partial nephrectomy, and one (33%) patient developed post-embolization syndrome. A total of six patients underwent elective surgery-four underwent partial nephrectomy (laparoscopic - 1, robotic - 1, open - 2) and two underwent open nephrectomy. Three patients encountered Clavien-Dindo complications (Grade 1, n = 2 and IIIA, n = 2). WS is a rare, life-threatening complication in patients with large angiomyolipoma. Judicious optimization, angioembolization, and prompt surgical intervention will help deliver better outcomes.

"Labia Majora Fasciocutaneous Flap Reconstruction in Complex Urogynecological Fistulas With Vaginal Deficit - A Versatile Approach".

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the pivotal points of different modifications of labia majora fasciocutaneous flap in combating the challenges of complex urogynecological fistula repair in the form of 7 cases. METHODS: Seven patients with complex urogynecological fistulas with vaginal deficit were treated over last 3 years. The challenges associated with them were non-capacious rigid vagina, irradiated and inflamed surrounding tissues, inelasticity, long-standing fistula with radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula(VVF), an iatrogenic urethrovaginal fistula with anterior vaginal wall loss with vaginal stenosis, and a case of vesicolabial fistula with a history of forceps delivery and transvaginal VVF repair. Transvaginal repair with labia majora fasciocutaneous flap along with fat pad with relevant technical modifications was contemplated in all. RESULTS: All radiation-induced VVF patients demonstrated no leak in the postoperative period barring one who became dry after transvaginal colpocleisis later. The patient with urethrovaginal fistula and vaginal stenosis was continent, had capacious vagina, and without any leak with regular menstrual periods. The female with vesicolabial fistula remained dry at the end of 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal repair using the labia majora fasciocutaneous flap and the demonstrated technical modifications can be a feasible option in repairing complex urogynaecological fistulas associated with vaginal wall deficit.

Clinical and videourodynamic study characteristics in female primary bladder neck obstruction and outcomes of bladder neck resection: A tertiary care center experience in India.

Introduction: Video urodynamic study (VUDS) with clinical correlation helps in diagnosing primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) in women. Bladder neck incision/bladder neck resection (BNR) though effective is not commonly practiced for the fear of complications and limited literature available. Methods: The records of ten women diagnosed with PBNO between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed and data pertaining to their clinical features, laboratory results, findings on abdominal ultrasonography, uroflowmetry, and VUDS was noted. Type of operative procedure performed and outcomes on follow-up were also assessed. Results: Out of ten patients, two presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), three with voiding LUTS and chronic retention and five had acute urinary retention. Mean serum creatinine was 3.4 mg/dl. In those able to void, mean maximum flow rate (Q max) was 7 ml/sec, and mean postvoid residual volume (PVR) was 360 ml. On VUDS, mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow (pdet@Qmax) was 54.2 cm of H20. Three patients opted conservative treatment and 7 had a successful surgical outcome with mean Q max of 26.2 ml/s (range: 13.9-41 ml/s), insignificant PVR and resolution of renal failure. Patients with pdet@Qmax <20 cm H2O (n = 3, mean 18.3 cm H2O) did equally well as compared to those with pdet@Qmax >20 cm H2O (n = 4, mean 93 cm H2O). None of the patients developed any complications on follow-up. Conclusions: Clinical assessment supported with VUDS correlation holds a key in identifying patients with PBNO. BNR is a safe and effective treatment of PBNO in women who fail or are not candidates for conservative treatment.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumour thrombus.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to report the perioperative and long-term surgical outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumour thrombus (VTT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 34 patients (males = 23, females = 11) from 2009 to 2020 who underwent radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for RCC and VTT was retrospectively analysed. The parameters recorded include tumour laterality, size, level of thrombus, surgical approach, blood loss, transfusion rates, operative time, hospital stay, Clavien complications, tumour histology, follow-up duration, local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall and cancer-specific survival rates. RESULTS: The extent of thrombus was level I in thirteen, level II in twelve, level III (a-1, b-2, c-1, d-2) in six and level IV in three patients respectively. Mean operative time was 320 (±145) min, mean blood loss was 1371.15 (±1020.8) ml and mean hospital stay was 9.6 (±7.4) days. Mean transfusion rate was 6.4 (±3.2) units. Three patients died within the first 30 days of surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was utilized in three patients. Median follow-up period was 58 (Range: 4-101) months. A statistically significant correlation was found between operative time (p = 0.014) and median survival (p = 0.003) respectively and tumour thrombosis level. Nine patients died due to metastasis, and ten due to unrelated causes. The estimated actuarial survival rates at a median of 58 months were 35.3%. CONCLUSION: An accurate preoperative assessment of the thrombus extent with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in achieving optimal surgical outcomes in patients of RCC with VTT, particularly with level III and IV thrombus.

A rare case of giant chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation: Treatment and prognosis.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sarcomatoid differentiation is an infrequent entity. In the current era of advanced imaging techniques, RCCs are usually detected in early stages, and a localized giant tumor is rarely encountered. Recently, we encountered a patient with a localized giant RCC, which was 36 cm in the largest dimension and weighing 5.1 kg, which was resected entirely but presented relapse and succumbed within 3 months of surgery.

Dorsal Onlay Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty in Post Radiation Female Urethral Stricture - A Technical Appraisal With Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Female urethral stricture following radiation has been reported sparsely in the literature with just a handful of case reports. Radiation to the pelvis affects the genitourinary tracts and afflicts damage by causing periurethral fibrosis, necrosis, and subsequent tissue contraction, posing as a hurdle to the reconstructive surgeon. We studied the technique and outcomes of dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty in patients of radiation-induced female urethral stricture disease (FUSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of radiation-induced FUSD were reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative parameters like IPSS, Flow rate (Qmax), Postvoid residue (PVR), urethroscopy findings, and Videourodynamics study parameters were analyzed. All patients underwent dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty. The salient steps of the operative procedure are demonstrated in this video presentation. RESULTS: The mean duration after the last radiation cycle was 2.33 years. Preoperatively mean IPSS, Qmax, and PVR were 27.33 ± 1.15, 6.46 ± 0.6 mL/s, and 56.67 ± 16.07 mL, respectively. After dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty the mean IPSS, Qmax, and PVR were 3.33 ± 1.5, 23.33 ± 6.1 mL/s, 15.67 ± 8.14 mL, respectively. None of the patients reported bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms, and stricture recurrence in the 12-month follow-up. However, one patient had transient stress incontinence, which was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty achieves excellent outcomes in patients with postradiation FUSD. Adequate dorsal urethrotomy should be contemplated in previously irradiated strictures.

Effect of preoperative finasteride on perioperative blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate and on microvessel density in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: An open label randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Previous studies on the effect of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on perioperative blood loss in TURP and microvessel density (MVD) in the prostate are equivocal. We evaluated whether pretreatment with finasteride for 2 weeks before surgery can reduce perioperative blood loss in TURP and MVD in the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients of BPH planned for TURP were randomized into two groups. The study group comprising 34 patients was treated with finasteride (5 mg/day) for 2 weeks and the placebo group comprising 34 patients received placebo for 2 weeks, before TURP. Blood loss was measured in terms of a reduction in the blood hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels between preoperative values and 24 h after surgery. MVD was measured in the resected prostate tissue stained with anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: The reduction of Hb and HCT in the finasteride group was significantly lower than the reduction in the placebo group (P < 0.05). The artery (P = 0.005), vein (P = 0.05), and gland (P = 0.008) densities were significantly less in the finasteride group than in the placebo group. There was no significant correlation between blood loss and MVD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a clear advantage of the preoperative use of finasteride for 2 weeks by reducing the perioperative blood loss in TURP in patients with BPH. While there is a significant reduction in MVD in the prostate on treatment with finasteride, it is not clear that this is the mechanism of reduction in blood loss in TURP.

Metabolic and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Urolithiasis from Southern India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the etiological profile and patterns of clinical presentations of urolithiasis (UL) in children. METHODS: This observational study included patients <18 y with UL, who were referred to the pediatric nephrology clinic. Clinical features, family history, consanguinity and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at presentation and follow-up were recorded. The children were evaluated using relevant blood and urine investigations. RESULTS: A total of 72 children with UL were evaluated for the study. The etiology of UL (n = 72) included hyperoxaluria (n = 25; 34.7%), idiopathic hypercalciuria (n = 21; 29.2%), idiopathic hyperuricosuria (n = 3; 4.2%), cystinuria (n = 3; 4.2%), urate transporter defect (n = 2; 2.8%) and mixed stones (predominant component calcium oxalate) (n = 9; 12.5%). No etiology was detected in 4 cases (5.5%). Common presenting complaints included flank pain (n = 41; 56.7%), hematuria (n = 29; 40.3%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (n = 29; 40.3%) and vomiting (n = 11; 15.3%). The median age of presentation was 60 (36, 96) mo. Family history and consanguinity were present in 30 cases (41.7%) and 28 cases (38.9%) respectively. Stone analysis was done in 20 cases, of which 9 cases were mixed stones (predominant calcium oxalate) and 6 were calcium oxalate stones. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with urolithiasis, hyperoxaluria, idiopathic hypercalciuria, idiopathic hyperuricosuria, and cystinuria were the predominant identifiable entities, together accounting for 72% of cases; and renal colic, hematuria and UTI were the commonest clinical complaints.

Effect of Structured Educational Program on Practices of Radiation Safety Measures Among Health Care Providers in Urology Operation Theater.

Introduction Endourologists are at increased risk of exposure to radiations. Many studies are available that have studied awareness in doctors in general, but very few studies available regarding any intervention to improve the knowledge of radiation safety measures. We have made an attempt to study the role of an educational intervention to improve the knowledge of our Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) urology operation theater health care providers (HCPs). Materials and methods Our study was an Interventional study (prospective clinical trial), conducted in the Department of Urology, JIPMER from January 2017 to March 2018. All, that is, 40 operation theater HCPs were given a questionnaire as baseline. The baseline response was compared to the response after the Structured Education Program (SEP) by using the same questionnaire. The knowledge of participants before SEP was compared with the knowledge after SEP using the chi-square test. All statistical analysis was carried out at a 5% level of significance and p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Result In our study after SEP, participants use of lead apron has increased from 72.5% to 92.5%, indicating improvement. There is an increase in the use of thyroid shield from 22.5% to 95%. In our study after SEP, knowledge about background radiations improved in participants from 25% to 87.5%. Knowledge about Radiation dose of chest X-ray improved from 22.5% to 52.5%. Knowledge about ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) improved from 47.5% to 95% after SEP. Knowledge that MRI and USG do not have ionizing radiation improved from 62.5% to 97.5%, and from 75% to 92.5% for MRI and USG, respectively, after SEP. Regarding organ sensitivity, 100% HCPs had given correct answers after SEP as compared to 80 before SEP. Conclusion Our study shows that SEP at regular intervals has made significant improvements in daily practice in operation theater HCPs. SEP has increased the use of radiation protective gears among HCP. Hence we recommend SEP at regular intervals for urology operation theater HCPs for a healthy and safe working environment.

Frequency and clinical significance of prostatic involvement in men with febrile urinary tract infection: a prospective observational study.

Background: Frequent asymptomatic involvement of the prostate has been demonstrated in men with febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). In view of this, men with fUTI are often given a longer duration of antibiotic treatment; however, evidence to support this is limited. Methods: We prospectively studied adult men with fUTI admitted under the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care hospital in southern India.  fUTI was defined as fever of ≥38°C with at least one symptom/sign of UTI and pyuria, requiring hospitalization. We estimated serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at enrollment, one month and three months after treatment completion. We assessed prostatic volume by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and estimated the serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels at baseline and after three months. Results: We enrolled 64 men (median [IQR] age 53 [45-60] years); 50 patients completed follow-up. At baseline, the median (IQR) serum PSA level was 2.15 (1.18-3.02) ng/mL and median (IQR) serum hs-CRP level was 2.43 (2.28-2.58) mg/L. At three months, serum PSA levels decreased by ≥25% in 47 (94%) of 50 patients. The median (IQR) of prostatic volume was 25.4 (18.9-34) mL at baseline, and ≥10% decrease in prostatic volume was observed in 24 (48%) of 50 patients at three months. The change in the serum PSA levels did not correlate with clinical findings like prostatic tenderness or with prostatic volume changes. Further, serum PSA levels did not correlate with hs-CRP levels. On follow-up, seven patients had lower urinary tract symptoms; only one of them had recurrent fUTI.   Conclusions: Asymptomatic prostatic involvement, although common in men with fUTI, does not seem to influence the treatment outcomes.

Association of spontaneous expulsion with C-reactive protein and other clinico-demographic factors in patients with lower ureteric stone.

The purpose of our study is to analyze the definitive relation of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other factors with the spontaneous stone passage in patients with distal ureteric calculus of 5-10 mm and to calculate the risk of failure of expectant management in patients. 185 patients of ureteric colic, who were subjected to medical expulsive therapy (MET), were included prospectively from August 2016 to May 2018 and followed up for 4 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A included successful spontaneous passage patients and group B included failure in the same. The parameters analyzed were age, gender, longitudinal and transverse diameter of stone, CRP, total leucocyte count, ureteric diameter and hydroureteronephrosis (HUN). We performed univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the cutoff value for significantly associated variables. 122 (65.90%) and 63 (34.10%) patients were included in group A and B, respectively. In univariate analysis, CRP, longitudinal and transverse diameter of stone, HUN, proximal and distal ureteric diameters were statistically significant. However, in multivariate analysis, only negative CRP (p = 0.002), smaller longitudinal diameter of stone (p < 0.001) and absence of HUN (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with successful expulsion. Cutoff for CRP was 0.41 mg/dl and longitudinal diameter was 6.7 mm. The success rate in the group of patients with no risk factor was 96.7% and with all three risk factors was 16.7%. Patients with a longitudinal diameter of stone > 6.7 mm, HUN, and CRP > 0.41 mg/dl should be considered for early intervention. The success rate of MET can be increased to 86% after exclusion of patients with all three risk factors.

Do Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors of the Kidney Have a Predilection for Inferior Vena Cava Involvement? A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

The primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney is an extremely rare neoplasm, the diagnosis of which mainly depends upon histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and cytogenetics. A handful of cases reported in the literature mention about aggressive features of this neoplasm. The purpose of our study was to review our experience in not only the diagnosis and management of the patients with renal PNET but also to highlight its propensity to involve inferior vena cava (IVC) and also present a rare occurrence of Ewing's sarcoma (ES)/PNET of the renal pelvis. The clinical, operative, and histopathology records of four patients of renal PNET treated between January 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed and data analyzed concerning the available literature. Out of the four patients treated, two had level III and IV IVC thrombus, and one had dense desmoplastic adhesions with the IVC wall. One of the cases had a rare presentation of ES/PNET of the renal pelvis. All patients were managed surgically, while only one patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and following up with remission for the last 2 years and 4 months. On IHC, cluster of differentiation-99 (CD-99) was positive in all patients, and three were positive for Friend leukemia integration-1. PNET of the kidney is primarily an immunohistopathological diagnosis. This neoplasm has an increased propensity for the local invasion of surrounding structures. A multimodality approach with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy could offer better outcomes, although the prognosis of these tumors remains poor.

Effect of Ureteral Stent Length and Position of Stent Coil in Bladder on Stent-Related Symptoms and Quality of Life of Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Various standardized questionnaires can evaluate ureteral stent-related symptoms. The present study utilized a validated instrument, Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ), to know the impact of the length of double J stent (DJS) in comparison to ureter length on patients and their quality of living. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study is a prospective clinical study conducted in the Department of Urology at a tertiary care center in South India. Patients who underwent DJS after endoscopic ureteral lithotripsy were included in the study. On a computerized tomography scan, the ureteral to stent length ratio (USR) was calculated. USSQ scores at the time of DJS removal and two weeks thereafter were recorded. The distal coil of the stent in the bladder was recorded as grade 1 - not crossing the midline and grade 2 - crossing the midline. Different symptom scores were compared between both grades of bladder coil and for USR of all the patients. RESULT: A total of 157 patients were included in the study. Over 46 (29.3%) patients had grade-1 and 111 (70.7%) had grade-2 bladder coil. Totally 93 (59.23%) patients reported pain, while 64 (40.77%) patients had no pain. Grade-2 coil patients had more pain than grade 1 (P=0.01). There was a weak inverse relationship between the USR and urinary symptom (P=0.004), pain symptom (P=0.04), and quality of work (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Stent length or position of the intravesical stent coil does not appear to affect the quality of life except for the pain. Hence, choosing stent length according to ureteral length seems to have a minimal role in decreasing stent-related morbidity.