Relief of double-J stent-related symptoms: a comparison between mirabegron, tamsulosin and solifenacin

Abstract

Abstract Background Inserting ureteral stents is a routine intervention that often results in problems. The cornerstone for treating stent-related symptoms is pharmacological therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of mirabegron, tamsulosin, solifenacin and control in reducing double-J stent-related symptoms. Results Patients were evaluated preoperatively, one week after stent insertion and two weeks after the start of medications by the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and visual analogue pain scale (VAPS). Solifenacin and mirabegron groups had significantly lower sexual scores after the 1st and 2nd weeks post-operatively (PO) when compared with the control group. Mirabegron group had significantly lower sexual scores after 1st and 2nd weeks PO when compared with patients in tamsulosin and solifenacin groups. Patients in mirabegron group had significantly fewer additional problems after the 1st and 2nd weeks PO when compared with patients in the control and tamsulosin groups. Conclusions To sum up, mirabegron was found to be superior to solifenacin in lowering urinary symptoms scores, sexual performance scores and work performance scores at both first and second weeks post-operatively. Mirabegron is a good alternative choice for SRSs when tamsulosin or solifenacin is ineffective or not tolerated.