Corticosteroids and Tamsulosin in the Medical Expulsive Therapy for Symptomatic Distal Ureter Stones: Single Drug or Association?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical role of corticosteroids in the medical expulsive therapy of symptomatic distal ureteral stones. METHODS: Between January 2004 and September 2005, 114 patients with symptomatic distal ureteral stones with a >/=5mm diameter were enrolled in this prospective study and divided into four groups based on the urologist (of four) who treated them in the emergency unit. Group A (33 patients) received tamsulosin (0.4mg daily), group B (24 patients) received deflazacort (30mg daily), group C (33 patients) received both (0.4mg tamsulosin+30mg deflazacort daily), and control group D (24 patients) received only analgesics. The treatment duration was 10 d to prevent the side-effects of prolonged corticosteroid therapy. The end points were the expulsion rate, analgesic consumption, number of ureteroscopies, and safety. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, and stone location. The stone diameter was 5.96+/-0.33mm for group A, 5.83+/-0.4mm for group B, 5.88+/-0.23mm for group C, and 5.71+/-0.5mm (p>0.05) for group D. The rates of expulsion for the four groups were 60%, 37.5%, 84.8%, and 33.3%, respectively. There was a significant difference between group C and the other groups (p<0.001). The mean analgesic consumption was 42.5+/-0.4mg for group A, 50+/-0.3mg for group B, 27.3+/-0.5mg for group C, and 81+/-0.33mg for group D, with a significant difference between group C and the other groups (p<0.001). During the treatment period, only two cases of drug side-effects related to tamsulosin (without any drop-outs) were recorded. CONCLUSION: When the medical expulsive therapy for symptomatic distal ureteral stones is considered, the use of steroids (deflazacort) proves efficient only when administered together with alpha(1)-blockers (tamsulosin). In addition, tamsulosin used on its own as a medical expulsive therapy can be considered as an alternative treatment for those patients who are not suitable for steroid therapy, as it is generally efficient.     

Tamsulosin and doxazosin as adjunctive therapy following shock-wave lithotripsy of renal calculi: randomized controlled trial

Alpha-blockers have been established as medical expulsive therapy for urolithiasis. We aimed to assess the effect of tamsulosin and doxazosin as adjunctive therapy following SWL for renal calculi. We prospectively included 150 patients who underwent up to four SWL sessions for renal stones from June 2008 to 2009. Patients were randomized into three groups of 50 patients each, group A (phloroglucinol 240 mg daily), group B (tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily plus phloroglucinol), and group C (doxazosin 4 mg plus phloroglucinol). The treatment continued up to maximum 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated for stone expulsion, colic attacks, amount of analgesics and side-effects of alpha-blockers. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding stone expulsion rates (84; 92 and 90%, respectively). The mean expulsion time of tamsulosin was significantly shorter than both control group (p = 0.002) and doxazosin (p = 0.026). Both number of colic episodes and analgesic dosage were significantly lower with tamsulosin as compared to control and doxazosin. Steinstrasse was encountered in 10 (6.7%) patients with no significant difference between the groups. 16 patients on tamsulosin and 21 on doxazosin experienced adverse effects related to postural hypotension. Moreover, 2 (4%) patients in the tamsulosin group reported ejaculatory complaints. In conclusion, adjunction of tamsulosin or doxazosin after SWL for renal calculi decreases the time for stone expulsion, amount of the analgesics and number colic episodes. There was no benefit regarding the overall stone expulsion rate. The side-effects of these agents are common and should be weighted against the benefits of their usage.     

Efficacy of low dose tamsulosin in medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones in Japanese male patients: A randomized controlled study

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low dose tamsulosin for facilitating spontaneous passage of ureteral stones in Japanese male patients. Methods: A total of 71 patients with symptomatic ureteral stones, 10 mm or smaller in size, were randomly allocated into groups 1 and 2. Group 1 received tamsulosin (0.2 mg/day) for a maximum of 4 weeks and group 2 received no medication. The primary endpoint was the stone expulsion rate and the secondary endpoints were stone expulsion time and analgesic use. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, stone size and location. The stone expulsion rate was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (77% vs 50%, P = 0.002). No significant differences were noted in the stone expulsion time and analgesic use between the groups. Conclusion: Low dose tamsulosin can significantly facilitate spontaneous passage of ureteral stones without significant side‐effects in Japanese male patients.     

Stenting versus non-stenting after non-complicated ureteroscopic manipulation of stones in bilharzial ureters

BACKGROUND: Stents were used routinely after ureteroscopy to prevent postoperative ureteral obstruction. However, because of the recognized complications of stents, non-stenting is the new trend after uncomplicated ureteroscopy. The wall of the bilharzial ureter is characteristically thick and may be calcified. The aim of this study is to see if the non-stenting trend could be applied to ureteroscopic manipulation of stones in bilharzial ureters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 56 patients, with evidence of bilharzial lesions in the urinary tract, undergoing ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones were included. After successful uncomplicated stone fragmentation and extraction, patients were randomized into two groups. Group A includes 28 patients in whom double J 6-Fr polyurethane stents were placed for 3 weeks. Group B includes 28 non-stented patients. Postoperative fever, loin pain, lower urinary tract symptoms and change in the degree of hydronephrosis were reported. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean age of patients and stone size in both groups. The mean operative time was 43 +/- 14 min in group A and 38 +/- 11 in group B. There was no significant difference in the mean loin pain score, in the first postoperative 48 h, in both groups (4.4 +/- 0.8 in group A and 4.9 +/- 0.5 in group B). Patients in group A had, significantly, more flank pain with voiding (P < 0.01), voiding pain (P = 0.04), frequency (P = 0.01) and urgency (P = 0.04). Radiologic follow-up was available for 24 patients in group A and 23 patients in group B at the 3-month visit. Hydronephrosis had improved in all patients, in both groups, with no evidence of ureteral stricture. CONCLUSION: Routine placement of stents after uncomplicated ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones is unnecessary in bilharzial ureters. Moreover, it might be unadvisable because lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding loin pain are more in patients with ureteral stents and hydronephrosis is equally improved in stented and non-stented patients.     

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy compared with ureteroscopy for the removal of small distal ureteral stones

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of small distal ureteral stones smaller or equal to 5 mm in size is still highly controversial. In distal ureteral stones larger than 5 mm in size, ureteroscopy (URS) has been shown in many studies to be superior to shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). The objective was to analyze the stone-free rate after treatment of distal ureteral stones with in situ SWL or URS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 3,857 SWL treatments were performed at our institution between 1996 and 2001. During this period 45 in situ SWL procedures were performed with the Dornier MFL 5000 lithotripter on distal ureteral stones regardless of the stone size. A total of 262 URS treatments were performed on distal ureteral stones. URS for small (5 mm or less) distal ureteral stones was performed in 110 cases. RESULTS: Distal ureteral stones smaller or equal to 5 mm in size were treated successfully stone free in 78% in one SWL session. Patients required a second SWL in 14% of the cases and 8% of the patients required a third SWL session. URS patients were successfully stone free after the procedure in 97% of the cases. Failed URS that needed an additional URS were performed in 2 and 1% of the patients had one SWL in situ treatment. CONCLUSIONS: URS treatment has shown to be the therapy of choice for distal ureteral stones. It is more effective than SWL treatment in this stone location. In experienced hands URS is a safe though even more invasive procedure than SWL. This can be expected as urologists perform more than 40 URS procedures per year.     

坦索罗辛联合双氯芬酸钠在输尿管下段结石辅助排石中的作用

目的评价坦索罗辛与双氯芬酸钠联合治疗在输尿管下段结石辅助排石中的临床效果。方法91例确诊单纯输尿管下段结石的患者，年龄18～57岁，结石4～10mm，随机分为3组：空白对照组、坦索罗辛（0．2mg，1次／d）对照组、联合治疗组（服用坦索罗辛和双氯芬酸钠）。3组间患者的年龄、性别、结石直径等差异均无统计学意义。随访1周，观察结石排出率、结石排出时间、肾绞痛发生、镇痛剂使用情况和药物不良反应。结果联合治疗组、坦索罗辛组的结石完全排出率分别为90．0％、69．0％，均显著高于对照组的40．0％（P均〈0．05）；结石排出时间、肾绞痛发生率和镇痛剂的使用率分别为（8．20±1．56）d、20．0％、3．3％和（9．21±1．59）d、44．8％、20．7％，也均显著低于对照组的（11．40±1．73）d、64．0％和48．0％（P均〈0．05）。且联合治疗组的结石排出率明显高于坦索罗辛组，结石排出时间、肾绞痛发生率和镇痛药使用率也均低于后者。3组患者均未观察到明显的药物不良反应。结论坦索罗辛联合双氯芬酸钠可明显促进输尿管下段结石排出，缓解肾绞痛发生，可作为一种有效的输尿管下段结石辅助药物疗法。     

Salvage extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy after failed distal ureteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: When intervention is necessary, controversy remains as to the best treatment modality for stones of the distal ureter. In general, ureteroscopy is favored over extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) as the treatment of choice for distal ureteral stones. Although uncommon, ureteroscopy failures have traditionally necessitated repeat ureteroscopy to retrieve retained stone fragments. We evaluated the efficacy of salvage SWL for failed primary distal ureteroscopy in the community setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 1989 to December 2000, 6099 patients underwent SWL with the Dornier HM4 lithotripter at our institution. We retrospectively identified 31 patients who had undergone the SWL after a failed distal ureteroscopy. RESULTS: The average stone size in these patients was 9.4 mm, the average time interval from ureteroscopy to SWL was 17.2 days, and the average number of shockwaves delivered was 2386. All patients had had stents placed after ureteroscopy. Twenty-seven patients (87%) had resolution of their stone burden after one SWL session. The remaining four patients underwent additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopy is an effective modality for the treatment of distal ureteral stones. However, when unsuccessful, a salvage procedure may be necessary. Extracorporeal lithotripsy is a less invasive procedure with comparable success rates in the distal ureter. This report suggests that salvage SWL is an appropriate option for patients in whom distal ureteroscopic stone extraction fails.     

Randomized trial of the efficacy of tamsulosin, nifedipine and phloroglucinol in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral calculi

PURPOSE: Recent studies show the interesting efficacy of different drug combinations for the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones. We performed a randomized, prospective study to assess and compare the efficacy of 3 drugs as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 210 symptomatic patients with distal ureteral calculi greater than 4 mm were randomly allocated to home treatment with phloroglucinol, tamsulosin or nifedipine (groups 1 to 3, respectively). Each group was given a corticosteroid drug and antibiotic prophylaxis with an injectable nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug was also used on demand. The primary end point was the expulsion rate and the secondary end points were expulsion time, analgesic use, need for hospitalization and endoscopic treatment as well as the number of workdays lost, quality of life and drug side effects RESULTS: The expulsion rate was significantly higher in group 2 (97.1%) than in groups 1 (64.3%, p <0.0001) or 3 (77.1%, p <0.0001). Group 2 significantly achieved stone passage in a shorter time than the other 2 groups and showed a significantly decreased number of hospitalizations as well as a better decrease in endoscopic procedures performed to remove the stone. The control of renal colic pain was significantly superior in group 2 compared with the other groups, resulting in fewer workdays lost. Group 3 showed lower analgesic use and decreased workdays lost compared with group 1. No difference in side effects was observed among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Medical expulsive therapy should be considered for distal ureterolithiasis without complications before ureteroscopy or extracorporeal lithotripsy. The use of tamsulosin in this treatment regimen produced stone expulsion in almost all cases in a short time, allowing complete home patient treatment.     

A second cycle of tamsulosin in patients with distal ureteric stones: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in a prospective randomized pilot study, the effectiveness and safety of tamsulosin, administered in patients with distal ureteric stones and who have already undergone an unsuccessful first cycle of medical expulsive therapy (MET).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tamsulosin, administered as a further therapy, in patients previously unsuccessfully treated with combined expulsive 10‐day therapy (tamsulosin + deflazacort) for distal ureteric stones. Ninety‐one patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups, each receiving a different therapy for 10 days. Group A (46 patients) received a further cycle of tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily), and group B (45) did not. Age, gender, stone size, time to expulsion, number of acute episodes of colic during treatment and analgesic consumption were recorded. Patients who were not stone‐free after the study period had ureteroscopy. The results were compared statistically using Student’s t‐, chi‐square test and Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable inage, gender and stone size (5.93 mm for group A and 6.03 mm for group B). The expulsion rate was significantly higher in group A (80%) than in group B (49%) (P < 0.01), whilst there were no differences between the groups in the number of colic episodes and analgesic use. There were no reported side‐effects of medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A second cycle of 10 days of MET with tamsulosin in nonresponders to a 10‐day first cycle of MET with tamsulosin and deflazacort is safe and effective, and therefore should be considered as an option in the management of uncomplicated distal ureteric stones.     

The use of tamsulosin in the medical treatment of ureteral calculi: where do we stand?

It has recently been demonstrated that specific adrenoceptors subtypes (_1A/_1D) are prevalent in the distal part of the ureter, a finding supporting the interesting results obtained by different groups with the use of tamsulosin in the treatment of distal ureteral calculi. We performed a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effects of the addition of tamsulosin on our standard pharmacological therapy for the treatment of selected ureteral stones. A total of 64 patients referred to our department for the management of symptomatic ureteral calculi were considered. Patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups: group A (n=32) who received diclofenac (100 mg/daily) plus aescin (80 mg/daily) and group B (n=32) who received the same therapy plus tamsulosin (0.4 mg/daily) for a maximum of 2 weeks. No significant differences were found between the groups for age, gender distribution and mean stone size measured in the single largest dimension at presentation. The stone expulsion rate was 60% (19/32 patients) for group A and 88% for (28/32) for group B with a mean expulsion time of 7.4±2.2 (range 3.5–12) and 4.8±2.7 days (range 1.8–10.5), respectively. Group B showed a significant advantage in terms of both expulsion rate (P=0.01) and expulsion time (P=0.005). Different analgesics from those used in the standard treatment regimen were required in ten patients in group A (31%) but only three patients in group B (9%). This difference was significant (P=0.003). Hospitalization for recurrent colic was needed in 21% of patients in group A (7/32) and in 9% in group B (3/32) (P=0.01). Only two patients in each group (6%) experienced minor side effects associated with the expulsive therapy. Our data confirm the efficacy of tamsulosin in the treatment of distal ureteral stones up to 1 cm. This selective -blocker should therefore be included in the pharmacological regimen of patients when a conservative approach is considered in the treatment of ureteral lithiasis.Presented in part at the 27th SIU meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii, 3–7 October 2004     

Routine stenting after ureteroscopy for distal ureteral calculi is unnecessary: results of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Insertion of a ureteral stent is routinely done after ureteroscopy. Recently, several authors have questioned routine stenting after ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones. We report our results of a randomized study comparing ureteroscopy with and without placement of stents for distal ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients undergoing ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones were randomized to a stented group (N = 26) or a nonstented group (N = 22). Ureteroscopy was carried out with Wolf 8.5F semirigid endoscope, and the Swiss Lithoclast was used as the source of energy. Any stent was removed at 3 weeks. Patients were assessed for success, operative time, postoperative pain score, analgesic requirement, stent-related symptoms, and risk of ureteral stricture formation. Baseline variables were not significantly different in the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the two treatment groups with regard to need for ureteral dilation, use of intracorporeal lithotripsy, or occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. A successful outcome was achieved in 100% of both groups. The mean pain score on day 0 was 5.23 +/- 0.95 of 10 in the stented group and 4.82 +/- 0.96 in the nonstented group; this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, the analgesic requirement in the two treatment groups was not significantly different. However, patients with stents had significantly more pain (including flank pain with voiding: P = 0.01), urgency (P = 0.04) and dysuria (P <0.01). Radiologic follow-up was available for 83.33% of the patients at the 3-month visit. None of the patients had evidence of ureteral stricture or residual stone fragments. CONCLUSION: In select patients undergoing ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones, stents can be safely omitted. Patients without stents have significantly fewer lower-urinary symptoms of pain, urgency, and dysuria and are not at risk of increased complications. Avoiding stents may be particularly cost effective in developing countries.     

坦索罗辛和山莨菪碱对输尿管下段结石体外冲击波碎石（ESWL）术后辅助排石的疗效比较

目的分析比较坦索罗辛和山莨菪碱在输尿管下段结石体外冲击波碎石术后辅助排石的疗效。方法90例输尿管下段结石患者随机分3组，每组30例，结石直径0．4—1．0cm。对照组未给予输尿管平滑肌松弛剂；山莨菪碱组给予山莨菪碱10mg，3次／d；坦索罗辛组给予坦索罗辛0．4mg，1次／d。每例患者治疗观察期不超过2周。结果2周内结石排出者对照组为27例（86．7％），山莨菪碱组为28例（93．3％），坦索罗辛组为28例（93．3％）。各组比较排石率无显著差异（P〉0．05）。各组平均排石时间分别为（5．6±4．0）d、（5．2±2．8）d、（4．6±2．7）d，山莨菪碱组、坦索罗辛组较对照组时间短，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01），坦索罗辛组较山莨菪碱组短，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论在输尿管下段结石体外冲击波碎石术后，坦索罗辛和山莨菪碱在辅助排石方面是安全、有效的，能缩短结石排石时间，坦索罗辛作用优于山莨菪碱。     

坦索罗辛治疗输尿管下段结石的临床分析

目的：评价坦索罗辛治疗输尿管下段结石的临床效果。方法：将选取的120例输尿管下段结石患者随机分成两组,每组60例,结石直径0．4～1．0cm。治疗组口服坦索罗辛0．4mg,每晚1次,口服诺氟沙星胶囊0．2g／次,每天3次,服药不超过2周,并适量饮水和运动;对照组仅口服诺氟沙星胶囊0．2g／次,每天3次,适量饮水和运动。每例患者治疗观察期不超过2周。结果：2周内,治疗组排石率为83．3％（50／60）,对照组为41．7％（25／60）,两组比较排石率差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。平均排石时间治疗组为5．1天,对照组为8．7天．两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。因发生。肾绞痛而需镇痛药治疗,治疗组有1例,对照组有9例。两组均未出现明显副作用,无因不能耐受而退出者。结论：坦索罗辛可明显提高结石排出率,减少排石时间,缓解肾绞痛症状,有促进输尿管下段结石排出的作用。     

Optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi remains controversial. We present data from our institution to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy with different lithotripsy modalities (URSL). METHODS: From January 1994 to September 1997, 954 distal ureteral calculi were treated at our institution using in situ SWL (Siemens Lithostar) in 524 patients and ureteroscopy (Wolf 8.0F instrument and Swiss Lithoclast) in 430 patients. Stone sizes and patient ages were similar in these two groups. RESULTS: In the SWL group, the 3-month stone-free rate was 87%, and the effectiveness quotient (EQ) was 68.7%. In the URSL group, there was a 96% stone-free rate with an EQ of 92.1%. The SWL treatment was more expensive than URSL. CONCLUSION: At our institution, ureteroscopy is more efficacious than SWL for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi. In selected patients who had stones >10 mm with evidence of impaction and severe colic pain, we strongly suggest that URSL is the best choice.     

Efficacy of expulsive therapy using nifedipine or tamsulosin,both associated with ketoprofene,after shock wave lithotripsy of ureteral stones

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is currently considered one of the main treatments for ureteral stones. Some studies have reported the effectiveness of pharmacologic therapies (calcium antagonists or alpha-blockers) in facilitating ureteral stone expulsion after ESWL. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy, after ESWL, of nifedipine on upper-middle ureteral stones, and tamsulosin on lower ureteral stones, both associated to ketoprofene as anti-edema agent. From January 2003 to March 2005 we prospectively evaluated 113 patients affected by radiopaque or radiolucent ureteral stones. Average stone size was 10.16 ± 2.00 mm (range 6–14 mm). Thirty-seven stones were located in the upper ureter, 27 in the middle ureter, and 49 in the lower ureter. All patients received a single session of ESWL (mean number of shock waves: 3,500) by means of a Dornier Lithotripter S (mean energy power for each treatment: 84%). Both ultrasound and X-ray were used for stone scanning. After treatment, 63 of 113 patients were submitted to medical therapy to aid stone expulsion: nifedipine 30 mg/day for 14 days administered to 35 patients with upper-middle ureteral stones (group A1) and tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day for 14 days administered to 28 patients with stones located in the distal ureter (group A2). The remaining 50 patients were used as a control group (29 upper–middle ureteral stones—B1—and 21 lower ureteral stones—B2—), receiving only pain-relieving therapy. No significant difference in stone size between the groups defined was observed. Stone clearance was assessed 1 and 2 months after ESWL by means of KUB, ultrasound scan and/or excretory urography. A stone-free condition was defined as complete stone clearance or the presence of residual fragments smaller than 3 mm in diameter. The stone-free rates in the expulsive medical therapy group were 85.7 and 82.1% for the nifedipine (A1) and tamsulosin (A2) groups respectively; stone-free rates in the control groups were 51.7 and 57.1% (B1 and B2, respectively). Five patients (14.3%) in group A1, 5 (17.8%) in group A2, 14 (48.3%) in group B1 and 9 (42.8%) in group B2 were not stone-free after a single ESWL session and required ESWL re-treatment or an endoscopic treatment. Medical therapy following ESWL to facilitate ureteral stone expulsion results in increased 1- and 2-month stone-free rates and in a lower percentage of those needing re-treatment. The efficacy of nifedipine for the upper-mid ureteral tract associated with ketoprofene makes expulsive medical therapy suitable for improving overall outcomes of ESWL treatment for ureteral stones.     

坦索罗辛和硝苯地平在输尿管下段结石辅助排石中作用的比较

目的 分析比较坦索罗辛和硝苯地平在输尿管下段结石辅助排石中的疗效。方法180例输尿管下段结石患者随机分3组，每组60例。结石直径0．4～1．0cm。组1为对照组，未给予输尿管平滑肌松弛剂；组2给予硝苯地平10mg，3次／d；组3给予坦索罗辛0．4mg，1次／d。每例患者治疗观察期不超过2周。结果2周内结石排出者组1为26例（43．3％），组2为44例（73．3％），组3为49例（81．7％），组2、3与组1比较排石率差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。平均排石时间组1～3分别为9、8、4d，组1与组3比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），组2与组3比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。2周内组1～3因再次发生肾绞痛而需镇痛治疗者分别为5例（8．3％）、1例（1．7％）和0例，组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。2周内3组均未出现明显副作用，无因不能耐受而退出者。结论坦索罗辛和硝苯地平在输尿管下段结石辅助排石方面安全、有效，能明显提高排石率．     

Doxazosin for the management of distal-ureteral stones

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of doxazosin in inducing spontaneous passage of stones in the distal ureter and to compare its efficacy according to the size of the stone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with a mean age of 46.38 +/- 10.17 years who presented with a distal-ureteral stone were divided into four groups according to stone size and drug treatment: <5 mm without doxazosin (group A; n=15); 5-10 mm (group B; n=16); <5 mm with doxazosin 4 mg/day for 4 weeks (group C; n=20); and 5-10 mm with doxazosin 4 mg/day for 4 weeks (group D; n=22). Groups A and B served as controls for groups C and D, respectively. RESULTS: Spontaneous stone passage was documented in 9 patients (60%) in group A v 17 (85%) in group C (P=0.047) and 7 (43.75%) in group B v 16 (72.73%) in group D (P=0.036). The average expulsion time was 8.78 +/- 1.09 days in group A v 7.59 +/- 0.80 days in group C (P=0.004) and 12.14 +/- 1.35 days in group B v 7.06 +/- 1.29 days in group D (P<0.0001). The number of pain episodes in group D patients was significantly lower than in group B (P +/- 0.0078). CONCLUSIONS: Doxazosin treatment proved to be safe and effective for distal-ureteral stones, as determined by earlier expulsion, decreased colic frequency, and absence of side effects. The efficacy of doxazosin was significantly higher for 5-to 10-mm stones than for smaller ones.     

Does tamsulosin change the management of proximally located ureteral stones?

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocking agent on the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteral calculi ≤10 mm. 92 patients having single radio-opaque proximal ureteral stone ≤10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n = 50) were followed with classical conservative approach and patients in Group 2 (n = 42) additionally received tamsulosin, 0.4 mg/day during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, VAS score, change in colic episodes, and hospital re-admission rates for colicky pain were compared. The patients were furthermore stratified according to stone diameters <5 and 5–10 mm. The data of these subgroups were also compared. Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between tamsulosin receivers and non-receivers (35.7 vs 30%, p = 0.04). Time to stone expulsion period was also shortened in those receiving tamsulosin (8.4 ± 3.3 vs 11.6 ± 4.1 days, p = 0.015). Likewise, the mean VAS score and renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 2 patients (4.5 ± 2.3 vs 8.8 ± 2.9, p < 0.01 and 66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Among the stones <5 mm, tamsulosin receiving patients had higher spontaneous passage rate (71.4 vs 50%, p < 0.001). The prominent effect of tamsulosin on the 5–10 mm stones was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (39.3 vs 18.7%, p = 0.001). Administration of tamsulosin in the medical management of proximal ureteral calculi can facilitate the spontaneous passage rate in the stone <5 mm and the relocation of the stones between 5 and 10 mm to more distal part of the ureter.     

The use of tamsulozin as adjunctive treatment after ESWL in patients with distal ureteral stone: do we really need it?

Our study aimed to define the position of tamsulosin as adjunctive therapy in patients with stones of the distal ureter who had undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In total, 61 consecutive patients (38 men and 23 women) with single distal radiopaque ureteral stone of ≥6 mm of diameter were enrolled. After ESWL patients were randomized in two groups. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (supp. diclofenac 50 mg) was given to both groups upon demand. In group B, all patients (30) received additionally tamsulozin 0.4 mg every day. Follow-up visits were performed 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after ESWL. Evaluation included a KUB plain film and an ultrasound examination. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of success rate, stone-free rate, expulsion time of the fragments and use of diclofenac. Two patients from the tamsulosin group experienced dizziness and one was withdrawn. The success rate was 58.06 and 66.66% for the control and the tamsulosin group, respectively, while the corresponding values for stone-free rate were 51.6 and 63.33%, respectively. The mean expulsion time of the fragments was 13.22 days for group A and 12.95 days for group B. These results did not achieve statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The mean diclofenac dose was 118.9 mg in group A and 56.9 mg in group B. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Despite the relatively small number of patients, our data indicate that the use of tamsulosin after ESWL in this specific subgroup of patients does not result in improved success and stone-free rate and expulsion time. In contrast, a significantly reduced need for analgesics was found.     

Role of combined use of potassium citrate and tamsulosin in the management of uric acid distal ureteral calculi

In this article, we investigated the effect of the combined use of tamsulosin and potassium citrate (Uralyt-U(?)) for the treatment of uric acid stones in the distal ureter. The study was designed as a prospective, double blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 191 adult patients with radiolucent distal ureteral calculi were recruited. We included patients with solitary stones ≥5 mm with mild or moderate hydronephrosis and a normal contralateral tract. The patients were randomized into four equal groups (the placebo, tamsulosin, Uralyt-U(?), and the combined treatment groups). The patients were treated for a maximum duration of 4 weeks or until stone expulsion. The stone size in all groups ranged from 5 to 11 mm (7.69 ± 1.7 mm). The total expulsion rate of the stones was significantly lower in the control group (26.1%) compared with that of any of the other three groups (68.8, 58.7, and 84.8% respectively) (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the difference between the Uralyt-U(?) group and the combined treatment group was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). When we studied the patients with stones >8 mm as a separate subgroup to find the effect of the used drugs on the relatively large stones, we detected that the expulsion rate of these stones was significantly higher in the patients who received the combined treatment in comparison with any of the other three groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of urinary alkalization with tamsulosin can increase the frequency of spontaneous passage of distal ureteral uric acid stones especially those of 8-11 mm.