Effect of the Polaris Loop ureteral stent on vesicoureteral reflux and relief of lumbago symptoms: a single-center study

Objective To verify the effect of the Polaris Loop ureteral stent on vesicoureteral reflux and relief of lumbago symptoms in patients after ureteroscopic procedures. Methods This was a prospective single-center analysis of 20 patients who received indwelling bilateral ureteral stents after undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The Polaris Loop stent and Polaris Ultra stent (both F6 and 26 cm) were implanted randomly on the left and right sides of a patient. The results of the visual analogue scale (VAS) of the symptoms of lumbar discomfort that occurred within 2 weeks after surgery and whether or not vesicoureteral reflux occurred during postoperative cystography were recorded. Results The differences between the VAS scores and rates of vesicoureteral reflux for the 2 types of stents were significant (p<0.05). The patients receiving the Polaris Loop stent had lower VAS scores and lower rates of vesicoureteral reflux than the patients receiving the Polaris Ultra stent. Conclusions The Polaris Loop stent led to improved patient comfort after ureteroscopy and prevented vesicoureteral reflux of urine. However, careful selection of the appropriate length of stent and appropriate placement technique is required.