Comparison of symptoms related to positioning of double-pigtail stent in upper pole versus renal pelvis

Purpose: This study was a comparison of the symptomatology associated with placement of the upper coil of a double-pigtail stent in the upper pole or the renal pelvis. Patients and Methods: A prospective study with 40 patients was performed. I n 20 patients, the stent was placed in the upper pole (Group A) and in anot her 20 patients (Group B) in the renal pelvis. A questionnaire was addresse d to all patients before the removal of the stent concerning the presence a nd severity of flank pain (using a standardized 10-point scale), the presen ce and severity of urinary urgency (using a standardized 10-point scale), t he presence of dysuria, and quality of life with the stent in place. Results, Flank pain was present in 17 (85%) and 15 (75%) patients in Groups A and B, respectively. The average severity of flank pain was 4.3 (range 0 -7) and 4.5 (range 0-10) in Group A and B, respectively (p 0.764), Urinary urgency was present in 13 (65%) and 15 (75%), patients in Group A and B, re spectively. The average severity of urgency was 3.1 (range 0-7) and 5.3 (ra nge 0-10) in Group A and B, respectively (p 0.037), Dysuria was present in 4 (20%) and 13 (65%), and the average quality of life score was 2.5 and 3.0 5 in Group A and B, respectively (p = 0.04), Conclusion: Positioning of the proximal end of the double-pigtail stent in the upper pole of the kidney appears to be better tolerated by patients tha n is the standard insertion in the renal pelvis.