Clinical significance of ureteral stent removal by flexible cystoscopy on pain and satisfaction in young males: a prospective randomised control trial

The cystoscopic removal of ureteral stents causes discomfort and pain, especially in young male patients. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of ureteral stent removal by flexible cystoscopy on pain and satisfaction in young males. In total, 104 patients undergoing ureteroscopic removal of stones with indwelling of ureteral stent (May 2013–July 2015) were randomised to receive a ureteral stent removal by either rigid cystoscopy (group 1) or flexible cystoscopy (group 2). Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and satisfaction scale score were assessed immediately after stent removal. All patients were males and the mean age was 22.72 ± 2.49 years. Group 2 showed significantly lower VAS pain score (p < 0.001) and higher satisfaction scale score (p < 0.001) than group 1. Ureteral stent removal by flexible cystoscopy may offer advantages on pain and satisfaction to young male patients.