Efficacy of medical expulsive therapy using the traditional Japanese medicine (kampo) choreito for the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteric stones: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

AbstractAimUrolithiasis is a common disorder of the urinary tract. Medical expulsive therapy is recommended for calculi with diameters <10 mm. This study was conducted to determine the effect of choreito, an herbal medication with discharging effects, on the spontaneous passage of urinary calculi.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 109 adult patients with urinary calculi who were admitted to Hirao Hospital between April 2016 and March 2017. Choreito (7.5 g/day) was administered to 55 participants in the choreito group but not to the 54 participants of the control group. All patients were monitored until the calculi passed naturally. The period of spontaneous passage of the calculi was compared between the choreito and control groups, and the factors associated with this duration were identified using multivariate analysis.ResultsCompared to the control group, the period of spontaneous passage of the proximal ureteric stones was significantly shorter in the choreito group (14 days vs 36 days, p = 0.0262). Calculus diameter (<3 mm) and choreito administration were identified as independent factors associated with a shorter period for spontaneous calculi passage.ConclusionOral administration of choreito may promote the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteric stones without the need for surgical intervention.