Dexamethasone for Ureteral STent Symptoms (DUSTS): A Randomized, Double-blinded Controlled Study
The purpose of this study to learn if high-dose dexamethasone, a type of long-acting steroid, works to decrease urinary symptoms and pain after ureteroscopy and stent placement for kidney stones. The main question it aims to answer is: 1\) Does high-dose steroid change the quality of life score on day 2 after surgery Researchers will compare high-dose of dexamethasone (20 mg) to a standard dose of dexamethasone (4 mg) to see if a higher dose of the drug will help with urinary symptoms and pain Participants will: 1. randomly receive 20 mg or 4 mg of dexamethasone (20 mg) at the time of surgery 2. fill out a questionnaire day 1 and day 2 after surgery 3. fill out a medication diary for one week after surgery 4. visit the clinic on day 2 after surgery for checkup 5. visit the clinic on day 4-7 after surgery for check up
• Age 18-70 years old
• Patients who are undergoing unilateral retrograde ureteroscopy (semi-rigid or flexible) with planned ureteral stent placement for treatment of renal/ureteral stones
• Patients who can read and understand English
• Patients who can follow up post-operatively within 7 days at Houston Methodist Hospital