Efficacy of Mirabegron Versus Tamsulosin Versus Solifenacin for Treatment of Ureteral Stents-Related Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Indwelling ureteral stents are specialized catheters designed to alleviate obstruction by maintaining the patency of the ureteral lumen and to splint the ureter by acting as a scaffold to promote organized tissue healing. (1)

Common issues associated with contemporary ureteral stents include stent-related pain, hematuria, dysuria, urgency, infection, and encrustation (2). Majority of patients (80%) reported one or more urinary symptoms with over 80% of patients experience stent-related pain that affects daily activities, 58% report reduced work capacity, and 32%report sexual dysfunction (2). In addition, as many as 32% of patients had ureteral stents removed sooner than anticipated because of these complications (3).

Considering this high prevalence of ureteral stent related symptoms (uSRS) among patients and its potential impact on quality of life (QoL), adequate management of these bothering symptoms was the point of research over the last decades (4).

The exact mechanism involved in uSRS is not yet known; however, many authors report that such symptoms are associated with ureteral spasms, urinary reflux attributable to ureteral stent, or trigonal irritation (5).

Different novel types of stents have been developed and evaluated to reduce uSRS; however, there is still controversy regarding their clinical application (6). Conversely, pharmacological therapy, including anticholinergics and alpha-blockers, remains the most effective option to manage uSRS (7).