The efficacy of alpha-1A blocker (tamsulosin), antimuscarinic (solifenacin) and their combination in the management of double-J stent-related lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized controlled study

Elsayed M Salih,Mourad M Mourad,Ayman K Koritenah,Muhamed Yehya

doi:10.1186/s12301-021-00142-0

Abstract

BackgroundThe insertion of a double-J (DJ) stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure. It can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Pharmacologic management is one of many trials that were done to improve these symptoms, particularly the administration of alpha-1A blockers and antimuscarinics medications. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-1A blocker (tamsulosin), antimuscarinic (solifenacin), and their combination in managing DJ stent-related LUTS.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, comparative, and nonblinded trial was conducted between November 2016 and October 2018. Eligible patients were between 18 and 50 years of both genders who underwent temporary retrograde unilateral Double-J stent fixation. Patients were randomized to four groups; group I was control (drug-free), group II received tamsulosin 0.4 mg, group III received solifenacin 5 mg, and group IV received the combination of tamsulosin and solifenacin. All patients completed the IPSS, QoL, and VAS questionnaires at both pre-insertion day of the stent and 2 weeks postoperatively; the data obtained were compared to all four groups.ResultsThe study included 143 patients (78 males, 65 females). There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups regarding age, sex, side, and DJ placement indications. In comparison with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in all scores in favor of groups II, III, and IV. Compared to groups II and III, there were statistically significant differences in overall IPSS, QoL, and VAS scores in group IV. No significant differences were found between the tamsulosin and solifenacin groups.ConclusionThe alpha-1A blocker (tamsulosin) or antimuscarinic (solifenacin) monotherapy effectively improves the DJ stent-related LUTS and the QoL of patients with no advantage with either drug. The combination therapy of both pharmacotherapies is significantly effective than drug monotherapy.

Highlights

The insertion of a double-J (DJ) stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure
Salih et al Afr J Urol (2021) 27:37 of a DJ stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure, which can be used in different ways to treat urinary tract diseases [2]
Patients who had bladder pathology, age less than 18 years, bilateral stents, urethral stricture, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prior use of alpha-blocker and anticholinergics drugs, urinary tract infection, pregnant women, overactive bladder (OAB), history of previous ureteral stenting or long-term stenting were excluded from the study

Summary

Introduction

The insertion of a double-J (DJ) stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure. It can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Pharmacologic management is one of many trials that were done to improve these symptoms, the administration of alpha-1A blockers and antimuscarinics medications This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-1A blocker (tamsulosin), antimuscarinic (solifenacin), and their combination in managing DJ stent-related LUTS. Salih et al Afr J Urol (2021) 27:37 of a DJ stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure, which can be used in different ways to treat urinary tract diseases [2]. Pharmacologic management is one of many trials that were done to improve these symptoms, the administration of alpha-1A blockers and antimuscarinics medications [5]

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