Does Tamsulosin Facilitate Semi-rigid Ureteroscopic

Overview

Ureteric calculi are one of the most common reasons for frequent Urolithiasis. The estimated prevalence is 8-13% of all calculi. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is recommended by the European Association of Urology (EAU) (2013) for 5-10 mm ureteric stones to facilitate stone passage. For MET, alpha blockers, mainly tamsulosin, have shown efficacy in several randomized controlled trials. The underlying pathophysiology of this therapy is supported by the presence and distribution of adrenoreceptors in the ureter. Blocking the action of alpha-1 receptors by pharmacological agents (alpha blockers), such as alfuzosin, terazosin, doxazosin, and, most typically, tamsulosin, results in the relaxation of the ureteric smooth muscle. Ureteroscopy (URS) is the most commonly performed procedure for the treatment of ureteral calculi, with a high (\>90%) stone-free rate after a single treatment. Advancing a rigid ureteroscope into a non-dilated ureter may be difficult and cause complications. Ureteric dilatation may provide access to stones, but not in all cases, and ureteral mucosal injury up to perforation might occur.

Based on the role of alpha blockers, mainly tamsulosin, in MET of ureteric calculus, the investigator will attempt to extend the use of alpha blockers prior to URS for procedural ease. the investigator will conduct a prospective, randomized double-blind study to evaluate whether alpha blockers facilitate the negotiation of the ureteroscope if administered preoperatively.

Conditions