Effect of Educatıon Gıven To Patıents Wıth Ureteral Stent (Dj) Insertıon On Postoperatıve Symptom Management And Qualıty of Lıfe

Ureteral stents have been widely used in many urological procedures since their use was published by Zimskind in 1967 and Finley's use of the modern double J (DJ) stent in 1978. Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a popular method used frequently in the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral diseases today. Apart from being performed for diagnostic purposes, URS is most commonly used to treat ureteral stones. The vast majority of ureteral stones are treated endoscopically. A Double-J (DJ) stent is often placed after ureterorenoscopy. The purpose of the stent is to prevent obstruction, renal colic, and deterioration of renal function. The fact that the DJ stent will remain in the patient for a certain period of time (approximately 3-4 weeks) causes anxiety in the patient. However, urinary system symptoms that impair the quality of life are observed in approximately 80% of patients who have a DJ stent. These symptoms include frequent urination (50-60%), urgency (57-60%), pain during urination (40%), incomplete voiding (76%), flank pain (19-32%), suprapubic pain (30%), incontinence and hematuria (25%). In addition, 32% of patients with DJ stents develop sexual dysfunction. 2,3,4 Patients who have DJ stents inserted after ureteroscopy surgery need more information, support, explanation and help to cope with the effects of these symptoms in the clinic and at home. 5 In this context, it is important to provide individualized and comprehensive education that includes the home care process before and after URS. It has been determined in the literature that education given before surgical intervention reduces anxiety, pain level, complication rate and depression rate in the postoperative period and increases patient satisfaction. 6,7,8 However, it is reported that individuals should be discharged with sufficient theory and practice to meet their post-discharge care needs. Although all healthcare personnel are responsible for the discharge education of individuals and their relatives, the most important responsibility belongs to nurses.