A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing the Effects of Anti-reflux Versus Standard Ureteral Stents on Male Sexual Function

Routine laser lithotripsy was done for the ureteral calculi, and a 6 Fr polyurethane DJ stent (Inlay Optima®, Bard Medical, Covington, GA) or INNOVEX, according to the groups, was inserted under fluoroscopic and cystoscopic guidance. Appropriate length was adjusted according to patient's height. Routine X-ray of the kidneys, ureter and bladder (KUB) was taken for all patients before home discharge to confirm the proper stent positioning. All patients are advised to avoid alcohol, until 4 weeks after surgery when the ureteral stent is removed in our institution. General information such as preoperative age, body mass index, diameter of ureteral calculi, and degree of hydronephrosis, operation time were obtained. 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.