A prospective randomized trial comparing the effects of anti-reflux versus standard ureteral stents on male sexual function
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: To compare the effectiveness of anti-reflux ureteral stents on improving erectile function and quality of life of patients with ureteral stents. A total of 100 male patients who required ureteral stent placement after ureteroscopic lithotripsy were randomly assigned to two groups: those in Group T (n = 50) received a standard double-J-stent, while those in Group A (n = 50) underwent implantation with anti-reflux ureteral stent. Follow up for 8 weeks after surgery, including reproductive hormones and inflammation marks, Beck's depression scale, IIEF and statistics on the frequency of symptoms such as hematuria. Ultimately, 96 patients(48 in Group T and 48 in Group A) successfully completed the study. The operation of the two groups was smooth and no serious complications occurred. The postoperative inflammatory indexes, low back pain and LUTS in Group A were better than those in group T. In addition, there was no significant increase in Beck's depression scale in Group A 2-4 weeks after operation, and it was lower than that in Group T. Furthermore, compared with Group T, the IIEF score of Group A was higher at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after operation. Compared with standard ureteral stents, anti-reflux ureteral stents could significantly reduce postoperative inflammatory indexes, reduce the incidence of ureter-related discomfort such as low back pain and LUTS, alleviate postoperative anxiety symptoms and protect patients' sexual function. Registration Number: NCT07415993 (February 10, 2026).
Source: Scientific Reports
Institution: Soochow University
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7130854042