Introduction
Ureteral JJ stenting is an integral part of endoscopic ureteral stone surgery which provides urine passage against either internal or external obstructive causes [1]. The incidence of stent-related symptoms (SRS), including frequency, urgency, dysuria, hematuria, pain, and sexual problems, varies from 19–76% [2–5]. The International Prostate Symptom Score, Visual Analog Pain Scale, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score were used to evaluate SRS in clinical studies until Joshi et al. developed the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), which included six main domains [6]. The USSQ has been translated into different languages, including Turkish (USSQ-T), and has been widely used in clinical trials to investigate patients’ discomfort [7].
The storage and voiding function of the bladder is regulated by the brain, spinal cord, and otonomous nervous system. The urine storage and relaxation of the bladder occurs via activation of noradrenaline-mediated beta-3-adrenoreceptors, and bladder contraction/urination occurs via activation of acetylcholine-mediated receptors [8, 9]. M1, M2, and M3 subtypes of muscarinic receptors have been shown in the human bladder. Activation of the M3 receptors by acetylcholine causes detrusor contraction, and subsequently micturition starts. Antimuscarinic agents, alpha-blockers, and combination therapies have been reported to improve SRS [10, 11]. Mirabegron is the first selective beta-3-adrenoreceptor agonist that has been reported to be an effective treatment for overactive bladder syndrome, reducing bladder contractions, urgency, and frequency of urination [12, 13].
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of mirabegron use in the treatment of JJ stent-related symptoms after ureterorenoscopic stone surgery using the USSQ-T.