Use of Drugs to Reduce the Morbidity of Ureteral Stents

AbstractDouble ureteral stents are amongst the commonest procedures performed in urology. However, there are complications such as infection, and encrustation associated with its use, together with uncomfortable lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The latter are known as stent related symptoms (SRS) and are commonly reported in the scientific literature. SRS mentioned in literature are urgency, frequency, dysuria, haematuria, pain in the suprapubic and flank region. These can result in decreased sexual activity, reduced work performance, as well as decreased quality of life (QoL) in more than two-third of the patients. Drugs still hold the key in reducing the morbidity related to the ureteral stents.In terms of monotherapy, Alpha blockers as well as Antimuscarinics are effective in reducing SRS. Role of Mirabegron in the field is currently gaining importance. However, combination therapy reaches better outcomes than monotherapy alone while in cases with sexual dysfunction along with stent related symptoms, PDE5-I are better than other options. The role of complementary therapy for SRS with natural remedies is promising but needs to be assessed further. More randomized studies and laboratory trials are necessary to analyse possible alternative treatments for SRS that can heavily affects patients’ quality of life.