# Impact of ureteric stent diameter on stent‐related symptoms and early outcomes after kidney transplantation: A randomised controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study found that smaller ureteric stents (4.8 Fr) reduce symptoms and pain after kidney transplants without increasing complications compared to larger stents (6 Fr).

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that smaller-diameter stents improve patient comfort post-transplant without compromising safety.

## Key findings

- 4.8 Fr stents caused fewer stent-related symptoms and lower USSQ scores than 6 Fr stents.
- Patients with 4.8 Fr stents reported less pain intensity compared to those with 6 Fr stents.
- Complication rates like urinary leakage and UTI were similar between stent sizes.

## Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of ureteric stent diameter on stent‐related symptoms and early urological complications in kidney transplant recipients.

A single‐centre randomised controlled trial that enrolled 70 kidney transplant recipients to receive either a 4.8 Fr or 6 Fr ureteric stent allocated at a 1:1 ratio was conducted. Stent‐related symptoms and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed using the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Early postoperative complications—including urinary leakage, ureteric obstruction and urinary tract infection (UTI)—were recorded.

The 4.8 Fr stents were associated with significantly fewer stent‐related symptoms and lower USSQ scores than 6 Fr stents (47.0 ± 4.5 vs. 53.9 ± 4.2; p < 0.001). Patients who received a 4.8 Fr stent experienced lower pain intensity than those who received a 6 Fr stent (VAS 1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 2.2 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). Rates of urinary leakage, ureteric obstruction and UTI were comparable between the two groups.

The 4.8 Fr ureteric stents reduce stent‐related symptoms and postoperative pain while demonstrating a similar early safety profile to 6 Fr stents. These findings support the use of smaller‐calibre stents to improve postoperative comfort following kidney transplantation.