Effect of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulphate instillation on ureteric stent-induced discomfort after ureteroscopic lithotripsy: a multicentre randomised controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of instilling highly concentrated hyaluronic acid (HA)/chondroitin sulphate (CS) on ureteric stent-related pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric stones followed by ureteric stent placement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly allocated to receive intravesical instillation with HA/CS or normal saline just after ureteric stent placement. Just before stent removal on postoperative day 7, the patients completed the Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) QoL question, and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS: In total, 92 patients (46 each in the treatment and control arms) completed the study. The groups did not differ in terms of age or stent indwelling time. Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly lower USSQ urinary symptom domain scores (24.6 vs 32.5; P < 0.001), better IPSS QoL scores (3.5 vs 4.4, P = 0.018), and lower VAS pain scores (2.0 vs 3.2; P < 0.001). They also had lower total body pain subscores (16.7 vs 22.0; P = 0.01) and lower additional pain subscores due to urinary tract infections (2.1 vs. 3.2; P = 0.01) in the USSQ.

CONCLUSIONS: Highly concentrated HA/CS effectively improved urinary symptoms and pain, and reduced the need for additional medication or procedures after ureteric stent placement.