The purpose of this study to learn if high-dose dexamethasone, a type of long-acting steroid, works to decrease urinary symptoms and pain after ureteroscopy and stent placement for kidney stones. The main question it aims to answer is:
1\) Does high-dose steroid change the quality of life score on day 2 after surgery
Researchers will compare high-dose of dexamethasone (20 mg) to a standard dose of dexamethasone (4 mg) to see if a higher dose of the drug will help with urinary symptoms and pain
Participants will:
1. randomly receive 20 mg or 4 mg of dexamethasone (20 mg) at the time of surgery
2. fill out a questionnaire day 1 and day 2 after surgery
3. fill out a medication diary for one week after surgery
4. visit the clinic on day 2 after surgery for checkup
5. visit the clinic on day 4-7 after surgery for check up
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age 18-70 years old
. Patients who are undergoing unilateral retrograde ureteroscopy (semi-rigid or flexible) with planned ureteral stent placement for treatment of renal/ureteral stones
. Patients who can read and understand English
. Patients who can follow up post-operatively within 7 days at Houston Methodist Hospital
Exclusion criteria
. Untreated UTI
. HbA1c ≥6.5 on preoperative testing
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Global Quality of Life Score of Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ)