The Effects of Tolterodine Extended Release and Alfuzosin for the Treatment of Double-J Stent―Related Symptoms

To evaluate the effects of tolterodine extended release (ER) and alfuzosin for the treatment of Double-J stent-related lower urinary tract symptoms. Fifty-two patients (33 men and 19 women; mean age 52.0 years) who underwent insertion of a Double-J stent after urological surgery were prospectively randomized into three groups. Group 1 included 20 patients who received 10 mg of alfuzosin, once daily for 6 weeks; group 2 included 20 patients who received 4 mg of tolterodine ER, once daily for 6 weeks; group 3 included 12 patients who received a placebo for the same protocol. All patients completed a validated Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire at 6 weeks after the stent placement. The mean urinary symptom index was 22.1 in group 1, 22.1 in group 2, and 28.1 in the placebo group (p = 0.032). The mean pain scores were 8.2, 11.7, and 16.2, respectively (p = 0.020). There were no significant differences in urinary symptoms and pain between the alfuzosin and tolterodine ER groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the general health, work performance, and sexual performance scores among the groups. Tolterodine ER and alfuzosin improve stent-related urinary symptoms and body pain.