Yixiong Zhan, Jiaxin Yang, Jixiang Chen, Fei Li, Yuchong He, Xiaoshuai Gao, Guo Chen, Xin Wei
Our center has innovatively presented the triple-stent strategy for treating US in patients with SK. A one-year follow-up demonstrated that both triple-stent and AMUS treatments effectively and safely managed US in SK patients. During the short-term follow-up period, the triple-stent group offered greater economic advantages.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of triple Double-J (DJ) stents and Allium metal ureteral stents (AMUS) for treating ureteral strictures (US) in solitary kidney (SK) patients.
METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical data from 100 patients with SK who underwent triple stent or AMUS treatment for US at our center between January 2019 and March 2022. During follow-up, we evaluated surgical success rates, changes in renal function parameters, and the incidence of complications.
RESULTS: 100 patients freely chose their treatment methods based on their own medical preferences and financial circumstances. During the 1-year follow-up period, the overall success rates for triple-stent treatment (58 renal units) and AMUS treatment (53 renal units) were similar (79.3% vs. 81.1%, p = 0.81). Although the triple-stent group showed a numerically higher trend in pain (7.5% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.532), hematuria (5.7% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.719), urinary tract infection (UTI) (7.5% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.366), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (5.7% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.719), the two groups exhibited statistically comparable incidences of surgical complications. The one-year total cost for triple-stent treatment was only 63.1% of the AMUS treatment group ($9,099.0 vs. $14,411.0, p < 0.001). One year after surgery, the two groups showed similar outcomes, with significant improvements in hydronephrosis, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels, and maintained effective renal function.
CONCLUSIONS: Our center has innovatively presented the triple-stent strategy for treating US in patients with SK. A one-year follow-up demonstrated that both triple-stent and AMUS treatments effectively and safely managed US in SK patients. During the short-term follow-up period, the triple-stent group offered greater economic advantages.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of the registry: Research Registry, Registration identifier: researchregistry7266, Hyperlink to your specific registration: https://www.researchregistry.com .