Validation of the Arabic linguistic version of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire

Long-term maintenance treatment of recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction with covered metallic ureteral stent

Whether or not the covered metallic ureteral stent can be used as maintenance treatment for recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) after pyeloplasty is unknown. Therefore, this study aims to analyze its feasibility. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 20 patients with recurrent UPJO who were treated with the covered metallic ureteral stents from March 2019 to June 2021 at our institution. Then, we assessed their renal function, stent patency and stent-related quality of life by the blood creatinine, renal ultrasound (or computed tomography), and the Chinese version of the ureteral symptom score questionnaire (USSQ). The last follow-up mean blood creatinine dropped from 0.98 ± 0.22 to 0.91 ± 0.21 mg/dL (P = .04), and the median renal pelvic width was reduced from 3.25 (3.10) to 2.00 (1.67) cm (P = .03) compared with the preoperative conditions. Meanwhile, the last follow-up mean USSQ total score of the covered metallic ureteral stent among the 16 patients with preoperative indwelling double-J ureteral stent was 78.56 ± 14.75, significantly lower than the preoperative USSQ total score, which was 102.25 ± 5.57 (P < .001). During the median duration of follow-up of 27.00 (18.00) months, 85% (17/20) of patients maintained unobstructed drainage from the renal pelvis to the ureter. Stent-related complications occurred in 7 patients, 3 of which failed because of complications, including stent migration (1 patient), stent encrustation (1 patient), and stent-related infection (1 patient). The covered metallic ureteral stent is feasible for the long-term maintenance treatment of recurrent UPJO after pyeloplasty.

Does bacterial colonization influence ureteral stent-associated morbidity? A prospective study

Objective

to evaluate the effect of bacterial colonization on ureteral stent-associated morbidity.

Methods

This was a prospective study that took place between February 2019 and March 2022. We examined one hundred fifteen patients for ureteric stents application. On the same day of stent removal, the Arabic version of Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) was used to assess stent-associated morbidity. The stent-associated morbidity and the specificity and sensitivity of culture in the stent and midstream urine were recorded.

Results

In 15.6% of the patients stent colonization was positive; E. coli was the most common isolated organism. There was no statistically significant difference between sex, age, irrigation fluid volume and duration of operation for stent colonization. However, stent indwelling time was significantly higher in patients with stents with positive cultures. In the colonized stents, there was a statistically significant difference with regards to the total score of USSQ, pain, urinary symptoms, work performance and additional problems of USSQ. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference in the general health and sexual matter.

Conclusions

stent colonization may be a contributing factor in stent-related morbidity. Stent bacterial colonization increases with the time of stent retention. Stent cultures are not needed as the same microorganisms are detected in urine cultures.

Translation and Validation of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire in Urdu

Introduction

In endourology, ureteric stenting is a common procedure, and stent placement is not without adverse health consequences. A ureteric stent symptoms questionnaire (USSQ) was devised to objectively evaluate the symptoms related to it. The original questionnaire is in English and translated into various languages worldwide. We translated the questionnaire into Urdu and validated it in an Urdu-speaking population with a stent in situ.

Materials and methods

The English version of USSQ was translated and back-translated by experts in both languages. Content validity was checked by sending Urdu version to five experts, and their scores were used to calculate the content validity index. The final version was filled by patients with stents on three different occasions, two with stents in situ at one and two weeks post stent placement, and a third time two weeks after stent removal. Discriminant validity was checked by filling of USSQ by 64 healthy individuals. Statistical analysis was done with mean and standard deviation, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman’s coefficient, and paired sample t-test.

Results

A total of 64 patients filled the complete questionnaire at all times with mean age of 35.31 ± 8.853. All subdomains of USSQ have significant drop in scores with stent in situ in comparison to post stent removal. Reliability was checked by Cronbach’s alpha in all subdomains (71.5-91.1) and test-retest reliability by Spearman’s coefficient (80.5-94.7). Symptoms change in stent in situ with post stent removal checked with paired sample t-test with a p-value of <0.005 in all domains, except body pain. Discriminant validity was checked with healthy controls, and a p-value of <0.005 was found in all subdomains of USSQ, except pain. 

Conclusion

The Urdu version of the USSQ is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in clinical practice and future research in an Urdu-speaking population.

Mirabegron vs. solifenacin in control of endoscopically inserted ureteral stent-related symptoms

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Mirabegron vs. solifenacin to treat LUTS resulting from DJ-stent insertion.

METHODS

A total of 97 patients who had DJ-stent inserted for urinary stone disease were randomly divided into three groups according to received treatment. Group A took Mirabegron 50 mg daily, group B took solifenacin 5 mg daily from the 4th day after stent placement until the stent was removed, and group C only was hydrated well. All patients were evaluated by USSQ and IPSS at 4th day post-insertion of ureteral stent, follow-up day before removing of stent and post-removal of stent.

RESULTS

The USSQ urinary symptom scores at day 4 comparing to day of removal of stent showed significant difference in between study groups (32 ± 6-13 ± 6 vs. 31 ± 6-14 ± 4 in Mirabegron and solifenacin, respectively) and without significant difference in control group. The USSQ body pain score significantly decreased in both Mirabegron and solifenacin groups at day of stent removal comparing to day 4 post-insertion of DJ with insignificant decreasing in the control group. Quality of life scores showed significant improving in Mirabegron and solifenacin group, and there was no difference in control group at 4 and 14 days after treatment. No severe complications were observed in either group.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

In our series, we indicate that Mirabegron and solifenacin can be used to improve symptoms caused by the insertion of DJ-stent without significant difference.

Atlas of scoring systems, grading tools and nomograms in Endourology: A comprehensive overview from The TOWER Endourological Society research group

INTRODUCTION

With an increase in the prevalence of kidney stone disease (KSD), there has been a universal drive to develop reliable and user-friendly tools such as grading systems and predictive nomograms. An atlas of scoring systems, grading tools and nomograms in Endourology is provided in this paper.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of world literature was performed to identify nomograms, grading systems and classification tools in endourology related to KSD. Each of these were reviewed by the authors and have been evaluated in a narrative format with details on those which are externally validated and their respective citation count on google scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 54 endourological tools have been described in our atlas of endourological scoring systems, grading tools and nomograms. Of the tools, 23 (43%) are published in the last 3 years showing an increasing interest in this area. This includes 5 for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), 6 for flexible ureteroscopy (fURS), 3 for semi-rigid URS (sURS), 9 for shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), 2 for stent encrustations, 3 for intra-operative appearance at the time of URS and 3 to classify intra-operative ureteric injury. There were 3 tools for renal colic assessment, one each for prediction of future stone event, stone classification and stone impaction and 2 for need of emergency intervention in ureteric stone. While 2 tools are related to stone recurrence, 6 are related to post-procedural complications. There are now 2 tools for simulation in endourology and 5 for patient reported outcome measures (PROMS).

CONCLUSIONS

A number of reliable and established tools exist currently in endourology. Each of these offers their own respective advantages and disadvantages. While nomograms and scoring systems can help in the decision making, these must be tailored to individual patients based on their specific clinical scenarios, expectations and informed consent.

The role of mirabegron in relieving double-J stent-related discomfort: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 50 mg mirabegron once daily in relieving ureteral double-J (DJ) stent-related discomfort after ureteroscopy (URS) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

Material and methods

A total of 210 patients who underwent DJ ureteral stent insertion after URS or RIRS were randomized 1:1 to receive either no treatment (Group B) or mirabegron 50 mg once daily (Group A) during the stenting period. At time of stent removal, all patients were evaluated for stent-related symptoms using the Arabic translated and validated ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ). The severity of stent-related symptoms (SRS) was compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean age was 46.6 ±8.2 years in Group A and 44.7 ±9.4 (26-64) years in the control group (p = 0.13). The stone characteristics, stent size, and position were similar in both groups. Compared to the control group, the mirabegron group had significantly lower daytime frequency, nocturia and urgency (p = 0.028, p = 0.008 and p = 0.012, respectively). As for stent-related pain, Group A had significantly less flank and abdominal pain (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mirabegron versus control group showed significant difference in mean analgesics use and quality of life (QoL) scores during the stenting period (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003, respectively). Three patients (2.9%) in Group A encountered minor adverse effects (two experienced dry mouth and one presented with constipation).

Conclusions

For patients with indwelling DJ stent, postoperative mirabegron 50 mg use was effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and stent-related pain.

Can magnitip double-J stent serve as a substitute for a standard double-J stent?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the morbidity of the magnitip double-J stent (DJ), compare its morbidity to the standard stent, and evaluate the possibility of retrieving the magnetic tip of the DJ stent without cystoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients having a lower ureteric stone, who underwent uretroscopic stone retrieval and required the use of a DJ, were randomly assigned to 2 groups, each containing 25 patients. Patients in group A were subjected to exploration with a uretroscope and a magnitip DJ while those in group B received a uretroscope and a standard DJ. The morbidity of both types of DJs was assessed by the Arabic version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ).

RESULTS

There was a high level of statistically significant differences between the two groups with regards to the total score of the USSQ, which were higher in group A as compared to group B (126.96±14.76 vs. 98.24±12.9) (p=0.001). Further, the cost of the total procedure was significantly higher in group B (9600±1456.59 vs. 8444±783.73) (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between both groups regarding the application, retrieval accuracy, and discomfort caused by DJ removal.

CONCLUSION

The morbidity caused by the magnetic DJ was found to be higher. However, the removal of the magnetic DJ was less costly than the standard DJ.

Validation of the Arabic linguistic version of the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8)

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to translate and validate the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8).

METHODS

Utilizing a multistep process, the English version of the OAB-V8 was translated into Arabic by three urologists and one independent translator. It was validated by asking 46 patients with overactive bladder and 58 healthy individuals to complete the questionnaire. Healthy individuals were involved in establishing the discrimination validity. The scores of both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. The reliability of the Arabic version was evaluated utilizing Cronbach's alpha test for internal consistency. Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) was utilized to evaluate the domain structures and the inter-domain associations.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.923). There were good correlations among frequency, urgency, sudden urge to urinate, waking up at night to urinate and uncontrollable urge to urinate. There were weak or no correlations among urge, incontinence and nocturia. For discrimination validity, there were significant changes in all domain scores when comparing patients with ureteric stents and healthy individuals (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic version of the OAB-V8 proved to be a reliable and valid tool, which can be easily utilized to evaluate symptoms in Arabic patients. It is feasible in evaluating quality of life in relation to this disorder, as patients are able to demonstrate their symptoms accurately with the comfort of their first language, Arabic.

Ureteral stents in urolithiasis

Ever since the ureteral stent design was fitted with a curl on both sides to prevent it from migrating up or down the ureter some 40 years ago, its use has gained tremendous momentum, aiding in the rise and evolution of endourology and has confidently kept its place in modern time urology. Over the past four decades, several designs, coating and biomaterials have been developed, trying to reduce infection, encrustation and other stent related symptoms. As the ideal stent has not yet been discovered, different ways of helping patients with their complaints have been researched. This review will cover these aspects of stent use in urolithiasis.

How bothersome double-J ureteral stents are after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective single-institution observational study

PURPOSE

To evaluate in details the actual extent of double-J stent-related symptoms after semirigid (URS) and flexible (RIRS) ureteroscopy using a validated questionnaire.

METHODS

We asked to complete the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) to all stone patients undergoing URS or RIRS with stent placement from 2010 to 2015. Stent-related symptoms' prevalence, severity, and impact on daily life were analyzed using descriptive statistics and five-order Likert scales. Subgroups analyses were performed.

RESULTS

232 patients completed the USSQ. Stents had a deep impact on urinary symptoms (daily frequency ≥ 1 per hour 59.1%, ≥ 1 nocturnal micturition 90.1%, urgency 86.6%, burning 82.3%) that represented a problem for 88.4% of patients. 83.2% complained of pain, mostly in the kidney (67.9%) or in the bladder area (31.3%), particularly during physical activity (72.9%) and micturition (77.0%). Pain interfered with everyday life in 92.2%. General health, working, and sexual activity were also affected. 62.0% of patients would be dissatisfied (51.6% unhappy or terrible) if further ureteral stenting was proposed in future. Younger patients and females were more affected. Limitations include observational design and lack of baseline evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteral stents are responsible for significant urinary symptoms and pain after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy. They also considerably affect general health, working and sexual activity. Urologists should consider it carefully before stenting, inform patients about stent-related symptoms, and minimize stent indwelling time.

A randomized controlled trial comparing antimicrobial (silver sulfadiazine)-coated ureteral stents with non-coated stents

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of antimicrobial [silver sulfadiazine (SSD)]-coated ureteral stents with non-coated stents in the prevention of stent-related bacteriuria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2014 and September 2016 after approval from the local ethics committee. Inclusion criteria were adults who underwent unilateral double-J ureteral stent placement after ureteroscopic lithotripsy. All patients underwent placement of the same stent type (Carbothan^® with hydrophilic surface) and dimensions (6 F, 26 cm). In the test group, stents were coated with SSD. Patients who used antibiotics during the stenting period or underwent stent removal elsewhere were excluded from the study. Urine and stent cultures were obtained on the day of stent removal. All patients answered the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ).

RESULTS

The study included 126 patients. The mean ± SD stent duration was 3.1 ± 1.2 weeks. There were no significant differences between groups in the incidence of bacteriuria and USSQ scores. However, two stents (3.2%) in the SSD group had significant bacterial growth, compared to eight stents (12.5%) in the control group (p = 0.054). The incidence of newly diagnosed bacteriuria was higher in the control group (11%) than the antimicrobial group (6.5%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.372).

CONCLUSIONS

This study could not justify the use of antimicrobial (SSD)-coated stents for short stenting periods. The trend towards decreasing stent colonization in the antimicrobial group was not translated to a significantly lower incidence of stent-related bacteriuria or improvement in patients' quality of life.

Validation of the Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder questionnaire in Egyptian patients with bladder cancer

Objectives

To validate the Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder (FACT-Bl) questionnaire in Egyptian patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) construction.

Patients, subjects and methods

The English version of the FACT-Bl was translated into the Arabic language using multi-step process by two urologist and two independent translators. The Arabic version was validated by inviting 90 patients who underwent RC and ONB and 72 normal individuals to complete the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested for internal consistency using the Cronbach’s α test. Inter-domain association was tested by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The discrimination validity was measured by comparing the scores in RC patients and in normal individuals using the Mann–Whitney U-test and independent sample t-test.

Results

Internal consistency was high for all domains. There was high correlation between all domains. This high internal consistency and good correlation was maintained when assessment included patients with <7.5 and those with ≥7.5 years follow-up. Discrimination validation was confirmed by the statistically significant lower scores of all domains in the studied patients in comparison to the controls.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the FACT-Bl is a reliable and validated instrument that can be used to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients after RC and ONB.

Drug treatment of bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms after ureteric JJ-stent insertion: A contemporary, comparative, prospective, randomised placebo-controlled study, single-centre experience

Objective

To provide a guide for medication to alleviate bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients after JJ ureteric stenting.

Patients and methods

Between June 2011 and June 2015, a prospective randomised placebo-controlled study was conducted on 200 consecutive cases of ureteric stones that required JJ stents. All patients had signed informed consent and JJ-stent placement confirmed by X-ray. The patients were randomised into five groups: A, solifenacin 5 mg; B, trospium chloride 20 mg; C, antispasmodic; and E, α-blocker; and a placebo group (D). A standard model was created to lessen patient selection bias. Eligible patients were enrolled and assessed for side-effects and bothersome LUTS using the validated Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire. Appropriate statistical analysis was carried out.

Results

In all, 150 male patients in the five groups were compared. LUTS were less in groups A and B (P < 0.05), while dry mouth was significantly reported in Group A. Individual comparisons with the placebo group showed a non-significant difference with Group C, while Group E had significant nocturia improvement. Selective comparison of two best groups (A and B) showed less frequency in Group B, while the other LUTS were less in Group A with comparable side-effects.

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients following JJ-stent insertion, anti-muscarinic medication, namely solifenacin 5 mg or trospium chloride 20 mg, was the best. The advantage of trospium over solifenacin is in the control of frequency rather than the other symptoms. Addition of an α-blocker (alfuzosin 10 mg) is valuable when nocturia is the predominant symptom.

The German linguistic validation of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ)

PURPOSE

We developed and validated the German version of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) for male and female patients with indwelling ureteral stents.

METHODS

The German version of the USSQ was developed following a well-established multistep process. A total of 101 patients with indwelling ureteral stents completed the German USSQ as well as the validated questionnaires International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) or International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Patients completed questionnaires at 1 and 2-4 weeks after stent insertion and 4 weeks after stent removal. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

The German version of the USSQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .72-.88) and test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = .81-.92]. Inter-domain associations within the USSQ showed substantial correlations between different USSQ domains, indicating a high conceptual relationship of the domains. Except from urinary symptoms and general quality of life, German USSQ showed good convergent validity with the corresponding validated questionnaires. All USSQ domains showed significant sensitivity to change (p ≤ .001).

CONCLUSION

The new German version of the USSQ proved to be a reliable and robust instrument for the evaluation of ureteral stent-associated morbidity for both male and female patients. It is expected to be a valid outcome measure in the future stent research.

Efficacy and safety of tamsulosin oral-controlled absorption system, solifenacin, and combined therapy for the management of ureteric stent-related symptoms

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of solifenacin, tamsulosin oral-controlled absorption system (OCAS), and the combination of both drugs on JJ stent-related symptoms using the validated Arabic version of the ureteric stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ).

Patients and methods

In all, 260 patients who had undergone JJ stenting of the ureter for different endoscopic urological procedures were postoperatively randomly assigned into four equal groups. Patients in Group I received no treatment and served as the control group, Group II patients received tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg daily, Group III patients received solifenacin 5 mg daily, and Group IV patients received a combination of both drugs. Before stent removal, all patients completed the Arabic version of the USSQ.

Results

In all, 234 patients completed the study, comprised of 56 in Group I, 59 in Group II, 58 in Group III, and 61 in Group IV. Baseline characteristics and indications for JJ stenting were comparable in the four groups. There were highly significant differences in all items of the USSQ between the treatment groups and the controls, while Group II and III were comparable. The USSQ score was significantly lower in Group IV vs Groups II and III. Crossing of the distal curl of the stent to the midline had a significant positive correlation with the severity of the urinary symptoms, body pain, general health, and work performance in the medicated groups.

Conclusions

Combined therapy with tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg daily and solifenacin 5 mg daily is a safe and well-tolerated management for stent-related symptoms. However, stent position remains a significant factor affecting response to medical therapy and patients’ health-related quality of life.