The efficacy of alpha-blockers for expulsion of distal ureteral stones

Abstract

Background: Only very few studies describe the use of Alfuzosin, which is α adrenergic receptor blocker and not selective for any α 1 adrenergic receptor, for expulsion of distal ureteric stones. Alfuzosin is a drug with a proven efficacy and considered uroselective with high specificity and sensitivity, for the treatment of BPH. So, the present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of alpha blockers for expulsion of distal ureteral calculus. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Alpha blockers for expulsion of distal ureteral calculus.Methods: All the patients who presented to the Department of Urology in the period between January 2008 to January 2010 with history suggestive of ureteric colic were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Patients were segregated into 3 groups. The investigator knew the patients in each of the groups before the start of the intervention, but the Patients didn’t. All details regarding patient’s demographics, Investigations, Outcome and complications were entered into the proforma.Results: Calculus expulsion rate was highest in group C patients (receiving Alfusozin) and the difference was statistically significant. Patients with small calculus had low failure rate compared with patients having bigger calculus size. The analgesic requirement was more in the placebo groups with mean duration of more than 6 doses. The expulsion rate was more in alfusozin group than placebo. Also the intervention required was lower in alfusozin group.Conclusions: Alpha blockers (Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin) improve the spontaneous expulsion rate of distal ureteric calculus. There is no difference in distal ureteric calculus expulsion rate between tamsulosin, and alfuzosin. Alpha blockers reduce the analgesic requirements but not the calculus expulsion time.