AB016. SOH25_AB_296. Emergency department presentation post emergency ureteroscopy and JJ stent insertion: a retrospective study in an Irish university hospital

Background: Ureteroscopy is gaining popularity as a treatment modality for conditions such as urolithiasis, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, and a spectrum of other urological conditions, indicating its expanding role in medical practice. According to a previous study, the majority of emergency department (ED) visits after ureteroscopy are due to pain. Our aim in this study is to identify the causes of ED presentation post-emergency ureteroscopy and JJ stent insertion and to provide suggestions on how to solve this problem.

Methods: Our prospectively collected database was reviewed retrospectively between July 2023 and March 2024.

Results: A total of 243 patients had emergency ureteroscopy and JJ stent insertion during the study period. Sixty-four patients had JJ stent insertion only as an emergency procedure. Forty-one patients re-presented to the ED with stent symptoms. Out of the 41 patients, 31 patients had pain (75.6%), 23 patients had lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) (56.1%), 15 patients had hematuria (36.6%) and only 2 patients had urinary tract infection (4.9%). Also, it was noted that 32 patients were not using Alpha-blockers (78.0%).

Conclusions: Some measures must be applied to decrease the frequency of unplanned presentations such as proper counselling about stent symptoms and offering patients information leaflets [British Association of Urology Surgeons (BAUS) leaflets for example] in addition to creating a direct contact channel between the urology department and patients. Finally, prescribing adequate analgesia and medical explosive therapy.

Keywords: Ureteroscopy; JJ stent; double J stent (DJ stent); urolithiasis; stent symptoms