title: Does tamsulosin change the management of proximally located ureteral stones?
abstract: 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 < or =10 mm. 92 patients having single radio-opaque proximal ureteral stone < or =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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Yeditepe University Medical Faculty, Devlet Yolu Ankara Cad. 102/104, 34752, Kozyatagi, Istanbul, Turkey. fyencilek@yeditepe.edu.tr
authors.forename: Faruk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yencilek
authors.forename: Sakip
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Erturhan
authors.forename: Onder
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Canguven
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koyuncu
authors.forename: Bulent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Erol
authors.forename: Kemal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sarica
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010316:Particle Size; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077409:Tamsulosin; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000077409:Tamsulosin