A novel ureteric stent coating reduces encrustation and improves tolerability in a randomised trial
In brief
Sulfonic acid-coated ureteric stents cut encrustation nearly 50% in trial
Among 95 patients with stones, coated stents accumulated about half as much encrustation as standard stents after 30 days. Patients also reported smaller increases in urinary symptoms, and fewer received antimicrobial therapy, though this two-centre trial was small and follow-up was brief; larger studies must establish whether the benefits hold in routine care.
- Journal
- BJU international (Q1)
- Published
- 9 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Nikita Vistunov, Ionel Valentin Popeneciu, Wolfgang Kram, Oliver Hakenberg, Florian Distler, Angelika Borkowetz, et al.
- PMID
- 42852578
- DOI
- 10.1111/bju.70487
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Urology (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): RCT, coated stent cuts encrustation, improves QoL
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a novel sulfonic acid-coated ureteric stent on encrustation and quality of life in patients with urolithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomised, controlled trial was conducted between April 2022 and March 2025 at two urological centres in Germany. In all, 100 patients requiring ureteric stenting due to urolithiasis were randomised into intervention and control groups. All patients received identical stents (6 F/28 cm); the stent in the intervention group incorporated a novel covalent coating. Stents were removed after 30 days during secondary stone treatment, followed by the encrustation weight assessment. Symptoms associated with the ureteric stent and quality of life were evaluated using the Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire 7 days after stent placement and 7 days after stent removal. RESULTS: The final analysis included 95 patients assessed for the primary endpoint. Coated stents showed a 49.7% reduction in mean encrustation weight (mean difference 22.8 mg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-43.2; P = 0.006). The increase in lower urinary tract symptoms was 53.8% less in the coated-stent group (Δ3.6 [95% CI 1.3-6] vs Δ7.8 [95% CI 2.8-12.8]; P = 0.002). Light physical activities improved by 33.9% (mean difference 0.76, 95% CI 0.08-1.44; P = 0.046), and the need for antimicrobial therapy was significantly lower for coated stents (7.1% vs 31.8%, P = 0.02; odds ratio 6.1, 95% CI 1.11-33.1). Additionally, patients in the coated-stent group reported significantly less fatigue and exhaustion symptoms (mean difference 0.67, 95% CI 0.02-1.32; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The novel sulfonic acid coating demonstrated significant benefits over standard ureteric stents by reducing encrustation and improving quality of life.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.