Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of solifenacin, tamsulosin
OCAS, and combination of both drugs on double-J stent related symptoms
using validated Arabic version of ureteric stent symptom questionnaire
(USSQ).
Patients and Method:
Two hundred and sixty cases for whom double-J (DJ) stenting of the ureter
was applied as part of different endoscopic urologic procedures, were
postoperatively randomly assigned into four equal groups. Control (group
I) received no treatment, group II tamsulosin OCAS 0.4mg daily, group III
solifencin 5mg daily while group IV patients received a combination of
both drugs. Before stent removal, all patients completed the Arabic
version of USSQ.
Results:
In all, 234 cases completed the study. Control group (56 cases), group II
(59 cases), group III (58 cases), and group IV (61 cases). Baseline
characteristics and indications for DJ stenting were comparable in the
four groups. There was highly significant difference in all items of USSQ
between treatment groups versus controls, while it was comparable between
group II and III. USSQ score was significantly lower in group IV versus
group II and III. Crossing of the distal curl of stent to the midline had
significant positive correlation with the severity of the urinary
symptoms, body pain, general health, work performance in the medicated
groups.
Conclusion:
Combined therapy with tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg daily and solifenacin 5 mg
daily is a safe and well-tolerated management for stent-related symptoms.
However, stent position stills a significant factor affecting response to
medical therapy and patients' QoL