Comparison of Quality of Life After Tandem Ureteral Stenting and Implantation of Metallic Mesh Ureteral Stents (Endoprostheses)

Serikov S.S., Martov A.G., Pshikhachev A.M., Dutov S.V., Andronov A.S.

1) Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre – Medical and Biological University of Innovation and Further Education, Moscow, Russia; 2) Medical Scientific and Educational Center – Lomonosov Moscow State University (Lomonosov University), Moscow, Russia; 3) Civil Aviation Central Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia; 4) Medical Institute of Continuing Education «ROSBIOTECH», Moscow, Russia; 5) Maykop State Technological University, Maykop, Russia

Objective: To evaluate the impact of tandem ureteral stenting and implantation of metallic mesh ureteral stents (endoprostheses) on patients quality of life, and to determine the frequency and causes of repeat procedures during the first 3 months of follow-up. Materials and Methods: The study included 45 patients who underwent either tandem ureteral stenting (n=28) or implantation of metallic mesh ureteral stents (n=17) between 2021 and 2025. Quality of life was assessed using the validated Russian version of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). The questionnaire was filled by all patients on postoperative day 2 and again at 3 months after the procedure. Results: No statistically significant differences between the groups across any of the USSQ domains were detected on the 2nd day after the surgery (p>0.05). At 3 months, patients with metallic mesh stents demonstrated significantly better quality of life scores compared with the tandem stenting group, particularly in the domains of urinary symptoms (p<0.001), pain (p=0.041) and general health (p=0.022). The rate of repeat procedures within 3 months was 21.4% in the tandem stenting group and 23.5% in the metallic stent group (p=1.000). In the tandem group, repeat hospital stay was demanded primarily due to drainage dysfunction, while in the metallic stent group it was mainly attributed to stent migration or mucosal hyperplasia at the uncovered ends of the device. Conclusion: Metallic mesh ureteral stents provide superior quality of life compared with tandem ureteral stenting while keeping comparable repeat procedure rates. Owing to their durable design and favorable patient-reported outcomes, these stents may represent a viable and potentially preferred option for long-term urinary drainage in patients with recurrent ureteral strictures or contraindications to reconstructive surgery.

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About the Authors

Corresponding author: A.G. Martov – Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Urology Center, Central Clinical Hospital of Civil Aviation; Head of the Department of Urology and Andrology, Medical and Biological Unit for Research and Education, Federal State Budgetary Institution «A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center» of FMBA of Russia, Russia; Leading Researcher, Department of Urology and Andrology Medical Scientific and Educational Center – Lomonosov Moscow State University (Lomonosov University), professor of Urology Research and Education Unit, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «ROSBIOTECH», Moscow, Russia; e-mail: martovalex@mail.ru

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