Living with ureteric stents: A phenomenological study

Background: patients with ureteric stents (JJ stents) have reported symptoms such as voiding dysfunction, incontinence, depression and sexual dysfunction, which have impacted on their quality of life, since the procedure was first described by Zimskind in 1967. Aim: the aim of this study was to enhance understanding of the lived experience of having a ureteric stent. Method: the research design used was hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology, underpinned by Heidegger’s interpretive phenomenology. Findings: this phenomenological study found that ureteric stents have an impact on patients’ quality of life. The five themes that emerged were: disruption to activities of daily life, burden on my physical body, burden on my mind, influence of time and influence of others. Conclusion: urological nurses can enhance the patient’s experience of living with a ureteric stent by educating patients regarding stent symptoms and management, giving psychological support and advocating for the patient with adverse stent-related symptoms.