Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Optimal Stent Duration After Ureteroscopy

This study is designed to find the best time to remove a small tube, called a ureteral stent, after surgery to remove kidney stones. During the surgery, a stent is sometimes placed to help urine flow. We want to see if removing the stent sooner, rather than later, can reduce common side effects like pain or discomfort and improve your quality of life, without increasing the chance of other problems. Currently, there isn't much information on the ideal time to take these stents out, so this research aims to help doctors make better decisions for patients receiving this common treatment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Mayo Clinic

Enrolment target

172

Start

01 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Ureteral Stent

What is this study about?

When you have surgery to remove kidney stones, doctors sometimes place a temporary tube, called a ureteral stent, in the thin tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder (the ureter). This stent helps to keep the ureter open and allows urine to flow properly, especially while you're recovering from the surgery. While stents are very helpful, they can sometimes cause discomfort or other symptoms.

Because there isn't a clear answer about how long these stents should stay in place after surgery, doctors want to find out if taking them out sooner can make a difference. This study aims to compare what happens when stents are removed at different times. The main goal is to see if an earlier removal can reduce any discomfort or problems you might experience, and make you feel better overall, without leading to any unwanted side effects or complications.

To figure this out, researchers will ask people in the study about their symptoms and how they're feeling using special questionnaires. By doing this, they hope to gather important information that will help doctors provide the best possible care for patients who need ureteral stents after kidney stone surgery.

Key takeaways

Aims to find the ideal time to remove a ureteral stent after kidney stone surgery.
Compares symptoms and complications with 'shorter' versus 'standard' stent duration.
Could improve comfort and quality of life for patients after stent removal.
Uses questionnaires to understand patient experiences.
Focuses on uncomplicated kidney stone removal on one side.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult, at least 18 years old. You should be having surgery to remove a kidney stone from only one side (even if you have stones on both sides, only one side will be treated during this particular operation). The surgery itself must be straightforward and without any unexpected complications, and it involves a specific type of procedure called ureteroscopy.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, or if you already have a stent or another drainage tube in place before your surgery, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if your surgery is expected to be complicated (like if there's an injury to the ureter), or if you have certain types of infections or kidney problems, you wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, if doctors don't find any stones during your surgery, or if you have an unusual kidney shape, you wouldn't be included. The study is open to both men and women.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having kidney stone surgery on only one side?
Is your kidney stone surgery expected to be straightforward/uncomplicated?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not already have a stent or other drainage tube before this surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed participation plan is not fully available in this brief summary. However, generally, if you participate in a study like this, you would undergo your planned kidney stone surgery as usual. After the surgery, a ureteral stent would be placed. The main difference for you would likely involve how long the stent stays in and completing questionnaires about any symptoms you experience. You might have scheduled appointments to discuss these symptoms and for the stent removal. The total duration of your participation would depend on the specific arm of the study you are in, focusing on the time the stent is in place and immediate follow-up after its removal.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help us learn more about the best time to remove ureteral stents, potentially leading to less discomfort for patients in the future. For you personally, one potential benefit could be that your stent is removed earlier, which might reduce symptoms faster. However, there's also a small chance that removing it earlier could lead to side effects or complications. While every effort is made to ensure your safety, there are always some risks with any medical procedure or participation in a study. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (11)

Mayo Clinic Arizona
Verified postcode
Phoenix, United States
University of Arizona
Verified postcode
Tucson, United States
University of California San Diego
Verified postcode
San Diego, United States
Johns Hopkins University
Verified postcode
Baltimore, United States
Mayo Clinic Minnesota
Verified postcode
Rochester, United States
Montefiore Medical Center
Verified postcode
The Bronx, United States
University of North Carolina
Verified postcode
Chapel Hill, United States
Cleveland Clinic
Verified postcode
Cleveland, United States
Vanderbilt University
Verified postcode
Nashville, United States
University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada
University of Montreal
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada

Common questions

What is a ureteral stent?

It's a small, temporary tube placed in the tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder. It helps urine flow after stone surgery.

Why is this study being done?

Doctors want to find out if taking the stent out sooner can reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life after kidney stone surgery.

Will I receive a special treatment?

You will receive the standard surgery and a stent. The study focuses on how long the stent stays in, which might be shorter than usual for some participants.

What if I experience pain with the stent?

You should always tell your care team about any pain or discomfort. The study will track your symptoms through questionnaires.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.