The Effect of Alpha Blockers on Stent-Related Symptoms in Patients Following Ureteral Double-J Stent Placement at Dr. M. Djamil Padang General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Ureteral double-J stent (DJ stent) insertion is a common urological procedure intended to maintain ureteral patency following interventions such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or ureteroscopy (URS). Despite its clinical benefits, DJ stent placement frequently induces stent-related symptoms (SRS) including lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), flank or suprapubic pain, hematuria, and decreased quality of life (QoL). Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers such as tamsulosin have shown promise in alleviating these symptoms by reducing smooth muscle tone in the ureter and bladder neck. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of tamsulosin on SRS in post-stent patients using the validated Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted between March and August 2025 at Dr. M. Djamil Padang General Hospital. Twenty-five patients (17 males, 8 females; mean age 52.7 ± 10.4 years) who underwent DJ stent placement following PCNL or URS were enrolled through consecutive random sampling. All participants completed the USSQ at baseline (day 7 post-surgery) and again after receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily for 14 days. Paired statistical analyses compared pre- and post-treatment scores across all USSQ domains. Results: Tamsulosin therapy significantly reduced total USSQ scores (p < 0.05), particularly in domains assessing urinary symptoms, pain intensity, general health, and work performance. Improvements were most pronounced in urinary frequency, dysuria, and flank pain, while sexual and additional problem domains showed minimal change. Conclusion: Administration of tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily for 14 days effectively alleviates stent-related discomfort and improves QoL in patients with indwelling DJ stents. Alpha-blocker therapy should be considered a standard adjunct in post-stent symptom management.