Effect of Antihistamines on Ureteral Stent-Related Symptoms

Ureteral stents treat ureteral obstruction, allow for passive dilation of the ureter, maintain urine flow to the bladder, and aid in the recovery of the ureter after endoscopic surgery or ureteral injury. These stents are routinely utilized after urologic procedures for the treatment of urolithiasis and are generally kept in place for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Despite their advantages, indwelling ureteral stents cause discomfort and reduce patient quality of life. These symptoms are partially attributed to local irritation to the ureter and bladder. Bothersome stent-related symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, flank pain, hematuria, dysuria, sexual side effects, and emotional distress. The majority of patients with ureteral stents experience symptoms post-operatively.

Several studies have indicated that agents such as antimuscarinics or alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists may improve stent-related symptoms. The indications for anticholinergic medications are based on blocking involuntary bladder muscle contraction; however, the efficacy of these drugs is still controversial. Furthermore, these medications have potential adverse side effects.

Antihistamines also show potential in alleviating stent-related symptoms. Multiple in vitro studies have shown H1 receptor activity involved both in ureteral peristalsis and in bladder contraction. Both first- and second-generation H1 antagonists have shown activity in the urinary tract. In clinical practice, antihistamines are commonly utilized in the management of bladder pain caused by interstitial cystitis. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial found efficacy of antihistamines for pain management in the setting of renal colic from obstructing ureteral stones. There is novel evidence that in patients with indwelling stents, there are inflammatory changes in the bladder with an associated eosinophilic reaction. Eosinophilic cystitis is commonly associated with bladder irritation or allergy, and these findings point to a novel paradigm of treating patients with antihistamines. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of antihistamines for managing stent-related symptoms.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (aged 18-80 years) who are undergoing unilateral retrograde ureteroscopy with planned ureteral stent placement for treatment of urinary tract stones

Exclusion criteria

• Preoperative use of antihistamines, beta-3 agonists, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and chronic opioid analgesic use
• Preoperative indwelling ureteral stent at the time of treatment
• Neurogenic bladder, ureteral stricture, interstitial cystitis, or chronic prostatitis
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Planned bilateral ureteroscopy
• Solitary or transplanted kidney
• Hypersensitivity to antihistamines
• Severe renal disease (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 10 ml/min or on dialysis)
• Significant deviation in operative plan (ureteral stent not deemed necessary, incidental urologic malignancy, tandem ureteral stent placement, second-stage procedure required)