Evaluation of age-related tolerance of double J ureteric stents in children: a multicenter prospective observational study
Research Project | 2 Project Members
Double-J-stents (DJS) are a common tool in urology and are used for stenting the ureter between the kidney and the bladder. They are applied for various reasons, including the reduction of risk for postoperative strictures and urinary leakage into the abdominal cavity. In Paediatric urology, DJS are mostly inserted after pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation. Depending on the underlying condition, DJS remain in place from a few weeks to several months. Indwelling DJS cause irritative symptoms in up to 80% of adult patients, thereby decreasing their quality of life (QoL). Patients often report voiding problems such as urgency or radiating pain in the suprapubic region, flanks, or genitalia[4]. In 2003, a Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was developed for adults, which assesses the morbidity caused by DJS. Since its development, the USSQ has been an established tool for evaluating the stent-related quality of life in adults.
In paediatric urology, neither a comparable questionnaire exists nor have stent-related irritative symptoms been adequately studied yet. There is no standardised method to assess different stent designs and drugs to reduce stent-related irritation.
This study aims to evaluate a novel age-adapted questionnaire to assess the tolerance of ureteric DJS in children, adapted from the USSQ. Furthermore, our goal was to evaluate irritative and other symptoms in children following DJS insertion using this novel questionnaire.
The results of our study could enable us to tailor therapy for each patient based on their individual risk of experiencing discomfort or complications associated with a ureteral stent. By optimizing the therapy, we aim to prevent premature stent removal, ensuring it remains in place for the full duration necessary for the patient’s treatment.
