Double J Stent

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) as a non-pharmacological distraction method on patient-reported pain and anxiety during the removal of ureteral double-J (DJ) stents. Despite being a standard urological procedure, stent removal is often reported by patients to be a source of significant anxiety and procedure-related pain. By utilizing a standardized distraction environment via VR goggles, this study evaluates whether this intervention can effectively modulate the patient's perception of the procedure. The primary outcomes are measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess psychological anxiety and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to quantify the intensity of pain experienced throughout the stent removal process.

Indwelling Double J (DJ) ureteral stents are commonly used following lithotripsy to ensure adequate urinary drainage and prevent obstruction. However, stent-related biofilm formation remains a significant clinical problem, contributing to infection, encrustation, patient discomfort, and stent failure. Biofilms consist of microbial communities embedded within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which protects microorganisms from host defenses and antimicrobial agents. Antibiotic therapy alone may be insufficient to eradicate established biofilms due to poor penetration into the EPS matrix. Linezolid is a potent antibiotic with activity against gram-positive organisms commonly implicated in urinary tract colonization and penetrate and effectively act against bacterial biofilms. Mucolytic agents, by disrupting the biofilm matrix, may enhance antimicrobial penetration and reduce biofilm burden. The combination of an antibiotic with a mucolytic agent may therefore provide superior biofilm reduction compared to either approach alone or no treatment.