Characterizing Pain Interference after Ureteroscopy: Who Does it Affect and for How Long?

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

3-2026

Publication Title

European Urology

Abstract

Introduction & Objectives: Postoperative pain is common after ureteroscopy (URS) with lithotripsy, yet the duration of symptoms and the factors associated with pain are not well described. We aimed to define the proportion of patients experiencing pain post-operatively and identify predictors of persistence to guide patient expectations. Materials & Methods: Using the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) clinical registry, we identified patients undergoing URS who completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference (PI) assessments at baseline, 7-12 days, and optionally at 4-6 weeks postoperatively. Patients with pain disorders, intraoperative complications, or anatomical abnormalities were excluded. Significant pain interference (SPI) was defined as a PROMIS-PI T-score >50. We quantified the proportion of patients reporting SPI at each timepoint and used logistic regression, adjusted for baseline PI, stone characteristics, and patient and intraoperative factors, to identify predictors of SPI. Results: Among 1380 patients who underwent URS and completed PROs, 38% had renal stones only and 62% had ureteral (±renal) stones. The median stone size was 8 mm (IQR 5), and 70% received a postoperative stent. Follow-up at 4-6 weeks was completed by 60% of patients. At 7-12 days, 1,050 patients (76%) reported SPI. Of these, 234 (17%) continued to report SPI at 4-6 weeks (Figure 1). On multivariable regression, factors independently associated with SPI at 7-12 days included higher preoperative PI, renal stone location, younger age, larger stones, and postoperative stent placement (p = < 0.001-0003). At 4-6 weeks, elevated preoperative PI remained the only significant predictor of persistent pain (p = 0.007).

Volume

89

Issue

Suppl 1

First Page

S1

Last Page

S2

Comments

European Association of Urology International Conference on Endourology, March 13-26, 2026, London, GB

DOI

10.1016/S0302-2838(26)01311-4

ISSN

0302-2838

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS