Study on Evaluation of Medication Use Patterns in the Management of Ureteral Stent Discomfort

Abstract

Background: The insertion of double -j stents is considered as a routine and common Urological procedure. It can cause stent related discomfort, which affect nearly 80% of patients with indwelling ureteral symptoms, pharmacological management is one of the main trails that were done to reduce ureteral stent discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the drug utilization patterns in management of ureteral stent discomfort. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of Urology. 54 patients were enrolled into the study who underwent ureteral stent positioning, and evaluated the prescription patterns and by administration of validated USSQ for assessment of stent related symptoms. Results: 54 prescription patterns were evaluated and among them 39 are receiving Tamsulosin and 15 are receiving Tamsulosin + Tolterodine. During the follow up the USSQ scores were significantly low after the drug administration. The USSQ scores of Tamsulosin when compared with Tamsulosin in combination with tolterodine, there was significantly more improvement in the reduction of stent discomfort during the combination therapy. Conclusion: Alpha blockers (Tamsulosin), in patients with indwelling stents reduces the stent related symptoms. Combination of alpha blockers (Tamsulosin) and anticholinergics (Tolterodine) seems to have a better efficacy in improving the ureteral stent discomfort. KEY-WORDS: Ultrasonography, Ureteroscopy, Ureteroscopic lithotripsy, Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ)