To Evaluate the Efficacy of Tamsulosin in the Expulsion Rate and Expulsion Time of Lower Ureteral Calculi

Abstract

Background: There has been a paradigm shift in the management of ureteral calculi in the last decade with the introduction of new less invasive methods, such as ureterorenoscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Recent studies have reported excellent results with medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteral calculi, both in terms of stone expulsion and control of ureteral colic pain. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin in the expulsion rate and expulsion time of lower ureteral calculi and to note the effect of tamsulosin administration on frequency of analgesic use for relief of ureteral colic due to lower ureteral calculi. Materials and methods: This comparative study in 100 patients attending urology out patient with symptoms suggestive of ureteral calculi for a period of 2 years. All patients were received and evaluated on outpatient basis and underwent a standard evaluation of transabdominal renal ultrasonography. Results: Majority of patients in our study were in the age group between 30-40 years. There was no statistical significant difference in age and calculus size distribution in the two groups. The expulsion rate was significantly higher in the tamsulosin group. The expulsion time was significantly less in the tamsulosin group. The analgesic dose used by patient in the tamsulosin group was significantly lower. Conclusion: Tamsulosin proved to be safe and effective as demonstrated by the low incidence of side effects and the increased stone expulsion rate and reduced expulsion time.