Clinical Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor Fatigue Index (PFFI) (NCT07763613) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Clinical Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor Fatigue Index (PFFI)
Turkey (Türkiye)75 participantsStarted 2026-08-10
Plain-language summary
Background:
Ureteral stent-related symptoms vary considerably among patients despite similar surgical procedures and stent characteristics. Although several mechanisms have been proposed, the reasons for this interindividual variability remain incompletely understood. Pelvic floor muscle endurance may represent one of the patient-related factors contributing to symptom severity.
The Pelvic Floor Fatigue Index (PFFI) is a novel ultrasound-based index developed to quantify pelvic floor muscle endurance by measuring the percentage decline in bladder base elevation during a sustained maximum voluntary pelvic floor contraction using suprapubic transverse B-mode ultrasonography.
This prospective observational study aims to clinically evaluate the PFFI by investigating the association between preoperative PFFI measurements and postoperative ureteral stent-related symptoms assessed using the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). In addition, the study will evaluate the test-retest reliability of the PFFI measurement method and explore its potential role as an objective functional assessment tool for pelvic floor muscle endurance.
The findings of this study are expected to provide the first clinical evaluation of the PFFI and establish the methodological basis for future validation studies and broader clinical applications.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
Adults aged 18-65 years. Diagnosis of urolithiasis requiring ureteroscopy (URS) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).
Planned postoperative double-J ureteral stent placement. Patients belonging to either the Non-pre-stented Group or the Pre-stented Group according to the study protocol.
Ability to read and understand the validated Turkish version of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ).
Ability to independently complete the USSQ. Ability to perform an adequate voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction. Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Clinically significant diabetic neuropathy. Neurological disorders affecting lower urinary tract function (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury).
Active lower urinary tract dysfunction (e.g., overactive bladder, neurogenic bladder, interstitial cystitis).
Previous pelvic floor surgery. Known urinary incontinence. Urethral stricture. Chronic prostatitis. Recurrent urinary tract infection. Urinary tract malignancy. Advanced chronic kidney disease. Previous upper urinary tract reconstructive surgery. Pregnancy. Active urinary tract infection. Inability to perform an adequate voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction. Inability to provide informed consent.
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
Association Between Preoperative PFFI and Postoperative Total USSQ Score
Timeframe: Preoperative assessment to postoperative Day 10
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07763613
SponsorTrabzon Kanuni Education and Research Hospital