Role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in stent-related symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Stent-related symptoms are frequent following stent placement for various indications. Use of PDE inhibitors has expanded beyond their classical indication and has been tried in patients with stent-related symptoms. The systematic review was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of PDE inhibitors in ameliorating stent-related symptoms. Methods We performed systematic review and metanalysis on the use of PDE inhibitors for stent-related symptoms in patients who underwent stent placement for various reasons (postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureterorenoscopy). We followed PRISMA guidelines while conducting this review and study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019121781) Results Three studies with 280 participants were included in this review. There was considerable heterogeneity across all the outcome parameters assessed; thus, random-effect model was used for analysis. Comparison of PDE inhibitors with control arm revealed that PDE inhibitors were significantly more effective than placebo in all but one domain (Work performance) of the USSQ. On comparison with alfa blockers, PDE inhibitors were found to be equally effective for urinary symptoms, general health, and body pain parameters, but sexual health parameters improved significantly with PDE inhibitors. Conclusion PDE inhibitors can be considered an option for patients with stent-related symptoms especially in patients with sexual dysfunction. Due to various limitations of the studies included in this review, we recommend conducting further high-quality studies.