Abstract
Objective: We wish to update existing meta-analyses to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological agents against ureteral stent-related symptoms with better design of RCTs, as well as more valid and reliable measurement methods. Material & Methods: Relevant published articles up to February 2022 were obtained from PubMed, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and DOAJ. All single-blind or double-blind RCTs with various comparisons using pharmacological agents and/or placebo in patients with ureteral stent-related symptoms, with outcome assessment using USSQ at week 1 and week 4 during stent placement was included in the study. Statistical parameter Mean Difference (MD) with 95% CI was used to measure effect size. The p value less than 0.05 indicates statistical significance. Results: Alpha blockers (2 studies, 85 samples) significantly reduced fourth week UIS compared to placebo (MD: – 5.46, 95% CI: – 7.47 to -3.46, I2 = 0%, P = < 0.001), and alpha blockers (2 studies, 42 samples) significantly reduced first week SIS compared to combination therapy (MD: – 0.82, 95% CI: – 1.56 to – 0.08, I2 = 0%, P = 0.03). The results of the meta-analysis of USSQ scores in other domains have no significant differences. Conclusion: Alpha blockers were better than placebo in reducing UIS due to ureteral stent in the fourth week of stent placement, and better than combination therapy in reducing SIS due to ureteral stent in the first-week post stenting. However, more RCTs are needed with larger samples and better designs to reach valid conclusions.
 Keywords: Stents, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Single-Blind Method.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
