Characterising Stent Symptoms Associated with a Segmental Thermo-Expandable Metallic Stent Using a Validated Stent Symptoms Questionnaire

Background: We use the Memokath 051TM, a segmental nickel-titanium alloy ureteric stent in patients with strictures and aim to characterize symptoms following stent insertion and evaluate its tolerability using a validated questionnaire. Methods: We mailed the validated ureteral stent symptom questionnaire to all patients who had undergone insertion of a ureteric Memokath 051TM stent over a one-year period. Responses were analyzed to evaluate the frequency and severity of symptoms in all 6 domains tested by the questionnaire. Results: Eighteen out of 23 patients completed the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire. In patients with unilateral stents; dysuria, severe frequency, nocturia, severe urgency and urge incontinence were seen in 28.6, 43, 72, 43 and 43% respectively. Severe frequency, urgency and dysuria in patients with bilateral stents were reported by 66, 25, and 50% respectively. Frank hematuria was reported by 29% of patients with unilateral stents. Lethargy was experienced by 23 and 25% of patients with unilateral and bilateral stents respectively with 75% of patients enjoying their social life. Conclusion: Although the study population is small, our results indicate that Memokath 051TM stents are well tolerated by patients in terms of quality of life. This study provides important information about stent related symptoms in patients undergoing this procedure.