Pain After Ureteroscopy Varies by Sex and Stone Location: Findings from STENTS Study

What is it about?

The study investigates patient experiences following ureteroscopy with stent placement for ureteric and renal stones, emphasizing pain location and intensity using body maps. It involved 424 participants who completed questionnaires on specific postoperative days. Results showed sex-based differences, with males reporting more intense back pain and burning during urination, while females reported more abdominal and pubic pain. Stone location also influenced pain, with renal stones causing more back pain and ureteric stones leading to abdominal pain and burning during urination. These findings aim to enhance patient counseling and management by providing insights into pain variations based on sex and stone location.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides insights into the patient experience after ureteroscopy with stent placement, a common procedure for treating ureteric and renal stones. By identifying differences in pain location and intensity based on sex and stone location, the study helps clinicians tailor preoperative counseling and management strategies to individual patients. Understanding these differences can improve patient outcomes by addressing specific pain management needs and enhancing the overall patient experience. Additionally, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of stent-associated symptoms, which can inform future studies and interventions aimed at reducing postoperative discomfort. Key Takeaways: 1. Pain Location Differences: The study found significant differences in pain location and intensity between sexes, with females reporting more abdominal and pubic pain, while males reported more back pain. This highlights the importance of considering sex-specific anatomical differences in managing postoperative pain. 2. Impact of Stone Location: Participants with renal stones reported more back pain, whereas those with ureteric stones experienced more baseline abdominal pain and burning during urination. This suggests that stone location influences the nature and site of stent-associated pain. 3. Personalized Patient Care: The findings underscore the need for personalized patient care approaches based on sex and stone location, allowing for more effective counseling and pain management strategies tailored to the patient's specific circumstances.