Comparison of Silodosin and Tamsulosin for Medical Expulsive Therapy in Patients With Ureteral Stones

Overview

This study compares the effectiveness and side effect profiles of Tamsulosin and Silodosin in medical expulsive therapy (MET) for ureteric stones. Conducted as a randomized control trial at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, 180 patients were analyzed-89 on Tamsulosin and 93 on Silodosin. Results showed that Silodosin had a higher stone expulsion rate, especially within 14 days, and fewer side effects compared to Tamsulosin. Common side effects included orthostatic hypotension, abnormal ejaculation, and headaches, with Silodosin showing a better overall safety profile.

This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled trial conducted at the Urology Department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, over a period of 12 months. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and written informed consent was secured from all participants. Participants included adults aged 18 to 60 years with a single, unilateral ureteric stone measuring 5 to 10 mm, confirmed by non-contrast CT scan. Patients with a history of ureteral surgery, congenital anomalies, severe renal impairment (serum creatinine above 1.5 mg/dL), pregnancy, lactation, urinary tract infection, or those using calcium channel blockers or other alpha-blockers were excluded. A total of 180 eligible patients were randomized into two groups: 89 patients received Tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily, while 93 patients received Silodosin 8 mg daily. Both groups received standard analgesia with diclofenac sodium 50 mg as needed and were advised to maintain adequate hydration. Treatment continued until stone expulsion or for a maximum of 28 days. Patients were monitored weekly through clinical evaluation and imaging (ultrasound or X-ray), and adverse events such as dizziness, ejaculatory dysfunction, and headaches were recorded using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test, while categorical variables were assessed with Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.