Risk Factors for Increased Stent-associated Symptoms Following Ureteroscopy for Urinary Stones: Results From STENTS

Work absence and productivity loss of patients undergoing a trial of spontaneous passage for ureteral stones

Patients with ureteral stones are often managed with a spontaneous trial of passage. While cost effective, the current literature has not examined the effects of a trial of passage on patients' work productivity. In this study, we aim to characterize work absence and productivity losses in a cohort of patients undergoing a trial of passage for ureteral stones. Actively employed patients aged 18 to 64 and discharged from Duke emergency departments without surgical intervention for ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm were contacted by phone four weeks after their presentation. Participants completed the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire which assesses three domains: absenteeism - missed work; presenteeism -productivity when returning to work; and unpaid work - assistance with household work. Linear regression associated demographic and stone factors with productivity losses.109 patients completed the survey. In total, 67% of patients missed work, 46% had decreased productivity when returning to work, and 55% required assistance with unpaid work. 59% of patients with stones ≤ 5 mm missed work versus 84% with stones > 5 mm (p = 0.009). African American race (coefficient 23.68, 95% confidence interval 2.24-45.11, p = 0.031), first-time stone formers (coefficient 20.28, 95% confidence interval 2.50-38.07, p = 0.026), and patients with stones > 5 mm (coefficient 25.34, 95% CI 5.25-45.44, p = 0.014) were associated with increased productivity losses. The majority of patients miss work while undergoing a trial of passage and many have decreased productivity when returning to work. This information may help counsel patients in emergency departments, especially first-time stone formers, and prevent return visits.

Postoperative Recovery of Quality-of-Life Following Ureteroscopy for Nephrolithiasis: The Impact on Pain Intensity and Interference and the Ability to Participate in Social Roles

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively capture patient-reported outcomes to assess the recovery profile of ureteroscopy (URS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adults undergoing URS for renal/ureteral stones were eligible for inclusion (11/2020-8/2022). Patients prospectively completed PROMIS - Pain Intensity, - Pain Interference, and - Ability to participate in social roles and activities in-person preoperatively (POD 0) and via email on POD 1, 7, 14, and 30. Scores are reported as T-scores (normalized to U.S. population, mean=50) with a change of 5 (0.5 SD) considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-eight participants enrolled at POD 0 (POD 1 =87, POD 7 =83, POD 14 =70, POD30 =67). There was a worsening of quality of life from day 0 to day 1 and day 0 to 7. All dimensions then improved with an increase in scores from day 0 to day 14 and day 0 to day 30. On multivariable analysis, the presence of a preoperative ureteral stent (OR 0.14) and use of semirigid URS (OR 0.33) were associated with a reduced odds for severe pain interference at day 1. The use of semirigid URS (OR 0.20) was associated with a reduced odds for severe worsening in the ability to participate in social roles at day 1.

CONCLUSION

Ability to participate in social roles declines immediately postoperatively, while pain intensity and interference sharply increase. There is a gradual improvement until POD 30. Findings suggest preoperative stents may influence postoperative recovery. Results offer meaningful insight to assist in counseling and setting expectation for patients postoperatively.

Daily Ecological Momentary Assessments of Pain and Ability to Work After Ureteroscopy and Stenting

Introduction: Ureteral stents can cause significant patient discomfort, yet the temporal dynamics and impact on activities remain poorly characterized. We employed an automated tool to collect daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) regarding pain and the ability to work following ureteroscopy with stenting. Our aims were to assess feasibility and better characterize the postoperative patient experience. Materials and Methods: As an exploratory endpoint within an ongoing clinical trial, patients undergoing ureteroscopy with stenting were asked to complete daily EMAs for 10 days postoperatively or until the stent was removed. Questionnaires were distributed through text messages and included a pain scale (0-10) and a single item from the validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities instrument, as well as days missed from work or school. Results: Among the first 65 trial participants, 59 completed at least 1 EMA (overall response rate 91%). Response rates were >85% for each time point through postoperative day (POD)10. Median respondent age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR] 50-67), and 56% were female. Stones were 54% renal and 46% ureteral, with a median diameter of 9 mm (IQR 7-10). Median stent dwell time was 7 days (IQR 6-8). Pain scores were highest on POD1 (median score 4) and declined on each subsequent day, reaching a median score of 2 on POD5. Sixty-three percent of patients on POD1 reported that they had trouble performing their usual work at least sometimes, but by POD5, this was <50% of patients. Patients who work or attend school reported a median of 1 day missed (IQR 0-2). Conclusions: An automated daily EMA system for capturing patient-reported outcomes was demonstrated to be feasible with sustained excellent engagement. Patients with stents reported the worst pain and interference with work on POD1, with steady improvements thereafter, and by POD5, the majority of patients had minimal pain or trouble performing their usual work. This work is associated with a registered clinical trial [NCT05026710].

Recent development and future application of biodegradable ureteral stents

Ureteral stenting is a common clinical procedure for the treatment of upper urinary tract disorders, including conditions such as urinary tract infections, tumors, stones, and inflammation. Maintaining normal renal function by preventing and treating ureteral obstruction is the primary goal of this procedure. However, the use of ureteral stents is associated with adverse effects, including surface crusting, bacterial adhesion, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after implantation. Recognizing the need to reduce the complications associated with permanent ureteral stent placement, there is a growing interest among both physicians and patients in the use of biodegradable ureteral stents (BUS). The evolution of stent materials and the exploration of different stent coatings have given these devices different roles tailored to different clinical needs, including anticolithic, antibacterial, antitumor, antinociceptive, and others. This review examines recent advances in BUS within the last 5 years, providing an in-depth analysis of their characteristics and performance. In addition, we present prospective insights into the future applications of BUS in clinical settings.

Contribution of Hypersensitivity to Postureteroscopy Ureteral Stent Pain: Findings From Study to Enhance Understanding of Stent-associated Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationships between preoperative hypersensitivity to pain and central sensitization, and postoperative ureteral stent pain after ureteroscopy (URS) for urinary stones.

METHODS

Adults enrolled in the STudy to Enhance uNderstanding of sTent-associated Symptoms (STENTS) underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) prior to URS and stent placement. Hypersensitivity to mechanical pain was assessed using a pressure algometer. Participants rated their pain intensity to pressure applied to the ipsilateral flank area and lower abdominal quadrant on the side of planned stent placement, and the contralateral forearm (control). Pressure pain thresholds were also assessed. Central sensitization was assessed by applying a pointed stimulator (pinprick) and calculating the temporal summation. Postoperative stent pain intensity and interference were assessed using PROMIS questionnaires. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed-effects linear models.

RESULTS

Among the 412 participants, the median age was 54.0years, and 46% were female. Higher preoperative pain ratings to 2 kg and 4 kg mechanical pressure to the ipsilateral flank and abdominal areas were associated with higher postoperative stent pain intensity with the stent in situ. Greater degree of central sensitization preoperatively, manifesting as higher temporal summation, was associated with higher postoperative pain intensity. Factors associated with preoperative hypersensitivity on QST included female sex, presence of chronic pain conditions, widespread pain, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Hypersensitivity to pain and central sensitization preoperatively was associated with postoperative ureteral stent pain, suggesting a physiologic basis for stent symptom variation. QST may identify patients more likely to develop stent pain after URS and could inform selection for preventive and interventional strategies.

Patients' Experiences With the Removal of a Ureteral Stent: Insights From In-depth Interviews With Participants in the USDRN STENTS Qualitative Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experiences of patients undergoing stent removal in the USDRN Study to Enhance Understanding of Stent-Associated Symptoms (STENTS), a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with short-term ureteral stent placement post-ureteroscopy.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using in-depth interviews. Participants reflected on (1) painful or bothersome aspects of stent removal, (2) symptoms immediately after removal, and (3) symptoms in the days following removal. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using applied thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The 38 participants interviewed were aged 13-77 years, 55% female, and 95% White. Interviews were conducted 7-30 days after stent removal. Almost all participants (n = 31) described that they experienced either pain or discomfort during stent removal, but for most (n = 25) pain was of short duration. Many participants (n = 21) described anticipatory anxiety related to the procedure, and several (n = 11) discussed discomfort arising from lack of privacy or feeling exposed. Interactions with medical providers often helped put participants at ease, but also increased discomfort for some. Following stent removal, several participants described lingering pain and/or urinary symptoms, but these largely resolved within 24 hours. A few participants described symptoms persisting for more than a day post stent removal.

CONCLUSION

These findings on patients' experiences during and shortly after ureteral stent removal, particularly the psychological distress they experienced, identify opportunities for improvement in patient care. Clear communication from providers about what to expect with the removal procedure, and the possibility of delayed pain, may help patients adapt to discomfort.