Evaluating Ketorolac for reducing symptoms after ureteral stent placement

A Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study of Preoperative Anti-Inflammatory Therapy for Ureteral Stent Symptoms

Early Phase 1 Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT03638999

This study is testing if giving a pain medication called Ketorolac before placing a ureteral stent can help reduce discomfort and inflammation for people with kidney stones.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT03638999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the effectiveness of pre-operative intravenous Ketorolac in reducing inflammatory responses and stent-related symptoms in patients undergoing ureteral stent placement due to kidney stones. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Ketorolac or a saline control before their procedure. The study will also evaluate the feasibility of recruitment and assessment procedures, alongside measuring plasma inflammatory markers at various stages. Follow-up will include a post-operative check-in to monitor patient recovery and adherence to the protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with renal urolithiasis scheduled for ureteral stent placement.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic NSAID use, active urinary tract infections, or those requiring bilateral stone procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce post-operative discomfort and improve recovery for patients undergoing ureteral stent placement.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of Ketorolac in this specific context is novel, similar studies have shown promise in reducing inflammation and pain in other surgical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years of age and willing and able to provide informed consent
* Patients with renal urolithiasis planning to undergo ureteral stent placement following ureteroscopic manipulation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients requiring a bilateral stone procedure.
* Patients on a chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including Aspirin defined as any NSAIDs use for more than fifteen days within thirty days prior to the procedure. Exception: use of daily Aspirin 81 mg is allowed.
* Patients on any steroid therapy.
* Patients with prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
* Patients with gastrointestinal ulcers.
* Patients with ureteral obstruction or stricture unrelated to stone disease.
* Patients with active urinary tract infection as evidence of untreated positive urine culture obtained prior to the procedure (as part of pre-operative testing).
* Patients with preexisting indwelling ureteral stent
* Patients who are pregnant or lactating.
* Patients with renal or liver impairment.
* Patients with concurrent disease, infection, or co-morbidity that, in the judgment of the investigator, would render the patient inappropriate for enrollment.

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ureteral Stent PlacementKidney Stone
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.