Using intra-nasal ketorolac to relieve pain from ureteral stents after ureteroscopy

Intra-nasal Ketorolac Versus Oral Diclofenac for Acute Ureteral Stent-associated Pain Following Ureteroscopy for Stone Disease

PHASE1; PHASE2 · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06158620

This study is testing whether a nasal spray of ketorolac can help relieve pain better than oral diclofenac for patients with ureteral stents after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06158620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve the quality of life for patients with ureteral stents by evaluating the effectiveness of intra-nasal ketorolac compared to oral diclofenac for managing post-operative pain. Initially, the feasibility and qualitative outcomes of intra-nasal ketorolac will be assessed in patients with indwelling ureteral stents. Following this, a randomized trial will compare pain relief and the rate of unplanned clinical encounters between the two medications. The study is motivated by the need for effective pain management alternatives to opioids in patients experiencing discomfort from ureteral stents after ureteroscopy for urolithiasis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are English-speaking and scheduled for unilateral ureteroscopy with ureteral stent placement for urolithiasis.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a solitary kidney, or have certain anatomical abnormalities or contraindications to NSAIDs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the overall experience for patients with ureteral stents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that non-oral formulations of ketorolac can effectively manage acute pain, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old
* English-speaking
* Candidate for unilateral ureteroscopy for treatment of urolithiasis
* Surgical plan includes placement of a ureteral stent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant/nursing, prisoners, cognitively impaired
* Solitary kidney
* Stone in transplant kidney
* Anatomic abnormalities (i.e., ureteral stricture, infundibular stenosis, uretero-pelvic junction obstruction, horseshoe kidney, duplicated system)
* History of ureteral reconstruction
* History of nephrocalcinosis, medullary sponge kidney, cystinuria
* Immobility or relative immobility
* Planned staged ureteroscopy
* History of ureteral stent complication or poor tolerance or a ureteral stent
* Urinary tract infection or sepsis
* Current anticoagulation use (81 mg Aspirin permissible)
* NSAID contraindication (acute renal failure or chronic kidney disease, bleeding disorders, allergic reaction to NSAIDs, ulcer disease, auto-immune disease)

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Operative Pain, Urolithiasis, Ureter Calculi, Stent Complication

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.