Distal Ureteral Stones Research Articles

PREDICTIVE FACTORS AFFECTING THE SUCCESS OF MEDICAL EXPULSIVE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH DISTAL URETERAL STONE

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors affecting spontaneous stone passing in patients who received medical expulsive therapy due to distal ureteral stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 2022 to October 2023, a total of 148 patients with distal ureteral stones sized 4-10 mm were included. Patients received silodosin 4 mg as medical expulsive therapy and were followed up for a maximum of four weeks. The patient- and stone-related variables affecting spontaneous stone passage were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 42.92±12.78 years. The stone expulsion rate was 64.2%. The rate of spontaneous stone passage was significantly higher in patients with lower stone size, stone burden, ureteral wall thickness, distance of the stone to the ureterovesical junction, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and hydronephrosis grade. (all, p<0.05). The distance of the stone to the ureterovesical junction, ureteral wall thickness, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were independent predictors of spontaneous passage (p:0.036, p:0.001, p:0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The distance of stone to the ureterovesical junction, ureteral wall thickness, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can be useful parameters to estimate spontaneous stone expulsion. These factors play important roles in decision-making for the management of distal ureteral stones.

Efficacy of Low-Dose Deflazacort with Tamsulosin in the Medical Expulsive Therapy of Distal Ureterolithiasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Distal ureterolithiasis, characterized by stones in the lower ureter, poses significant challenges in clinical management. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) using Tamsulosin is a common non-invasive treatment, but its efficacy can be limited, especially for stones larger than 5 mm. Deflazacort, a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance the effectiveness of Tamsulosin by reducing ureteral inflammation and facilitating stone passage. Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 80 patients with distal ureteral stones <8 mm. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Tamsulosin alone or Tamsulosin with Deflazacort for 28 days. Primary outcomes included stone expulsion rate and time, while secondary outcomes were pain reduction, analgesic use, and adverse effects. Results: The combination therapy group showed a higher expulsion rate (85% vs. 70%) and significantly faster expulsion time (10.1 days vs. 13.9 days, p=0.006). Pain reduction was greater in the Deflazacort group, with fewer colic episodes and reduced analgesic requirements. Adverse effects were comparable between the groups, with no significant increase in major side effects in the combination therapy group. Conclusion: The addition of low-dose Deflazacort to Tamsulosin significantly improves stone expulsion rates, reduces expulsion time, and lowers pain levels in patients with distal ureterolithiasis, without increasing major adverse effects. This combination may represent a superior treatment option in MET for distal ureteral stones.

Break Wave Lithotripsy for Urolithiasis: Results of the First-in-Human International Multi-Institutional Clinical Trial.

This study reports on a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, clinical trial utilizing the SonoMotion (San Mateo, California) Break Wave lithotripsy (BWL) device to fragment urinary stones. Patients with a urinary stone underwent a single treatment of 30 minutes and peak negative pressure of 4.5 to 8 MPa. Subjects were contacted and outcomes assessed at 7, 14, and 35 days after treatment, with clinical follow-up and CT imaging 70 ± 14 days postprocedure. The primary objectives were to assess the safety (hematomas, complications, etc) and effectiveness of BWL (any fragmentation, residual fragments ≤4 mm or ≤2 mm, and completely stone-free rate) as assessed via noncontrast CT-kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Forty-four patients with a ureteral (43%) or renal (57%) stone were treated across 5 centers. Stone fragmentation occurred in 88% of cases; 70% had fragments ≤ 4 and 51% ≤ 2 mm, while 49% were completely stone free on CT; no serious adverse events were reported. Eighty-six percent of patients received either no analgesic medication at all (50%) or minor analgesia (36%). After determining optimal therapy settings, 36 patients were treated and the effectiveness improved exhibiting fragmentation in 92% (33/36), residual fragments ≤ 4 mm in 75% and 58% with fragments ≤ 2 mm with 58% completely stone free. Effectiveness was less in subjects with lower pole stones with 81% fragmentation, 71% having fragments ≤ 4 mm, 29% with fragments ≤ 2 mm, and 29% completely stone free; of distal ureteral stone patients, 89% were completely stone free. BWL offered safe and effective noninvasive stone therapy requiring little to no anesthesia and was carried out successfully in nonoperative environments. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03811171.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy with tadalafil, tamsulosin, and silodosin for distal ureteral stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveMedical expulsive therapy (MET) is a suitable option for facilitating stone expulsion in patients with distal ureteral stones. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of tamsulosin, silodosin, tadalafil monotherapy, and combinations on stone expulsion rate (SER) and stone expulsion time (SET), as well as their comparative safety, number of colic pain episodes, and need for analgesics. MethodsRandomized controlled trials were retrieved by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 27, 2023. Papers in-English that compared the safety and efficacy of at least two of the above agents in adults with distal ureteral stones ≤10 mm were included. ResultsIn total, 27 studies were identified. More than half of them (n=15, 55.6%) were conducted in India. SER significantly improved with silodosin compared with tamsulosin (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, p<0.001), whereas the difference in SET was non-significant. Tadalafil achieved a significantly higher SER compared with tamsulosin (OR 1.42, p=0.040) without any difference in SET. Subgroup analysis of 5- and 10-mg doses of tadalafil showed no significant difference in SER and SET. We found no significant difference in need for analgesic (mean difference [MD −53.73, p=0.200) or the mean number of colic episodes (MD −0.42, p=0.06) between tadalafil and tamsulosin. SER and SET were not significantly different between silodosin and tadalafil. Tadalafil plus tamsulosin led to a significantly higher SER (OR 1.87, p<0.001) and SET (MD −2.99, p=0.002) compared with tamsulosin, without any significant difference in the adverse effects. ConclusionCompared with tamsulosin, SER significantly improved with silodosin, tadalafil, and the combination of tadalafil plus tamsulosin. Meanwhile, the difference in SET was only significant between tadalafil plus tamsulosin versus tamsulosin. It appears that tadalafil and silodosin have similar efficacy in SET and SER. All METs had comparable safety.

Efficacy of Silodosin and Tadalafil monotherapy versus combination of both drugs as MET for distal ureteric stones: A prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective To assess efficacy and safety of silodosin, tadalafil, versus combination of both medications as medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteric stones. Methods This prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical trial included 128 patients aged 18 years or more irrespective of gender who are presented to emergency department or outpatient with distal ureteric stones ranging in size from 5–10 mm, randomized into three groups: Group I (n = 42) received Silodosin 8 mg once daily, Group II (n = 44) received Tadalafil 5 mg once daily, and Group III (n = 42) received Silodosin 8 mg combined with Tadalafil 5 mg one daily. All participants underwent thorough history-taking, routine laboratory investigations, and clinical examinations. The primary end point included expulsion rate and time and treatment tolerance. Secondary end points were number pain episodes, need for emergency room visit, amount of analgesia, need for intervention. Results The expulsion rate was 71.4% for silodosin, 61.4% for tadalafil and 88.1% for combined therapy (p = 0.018). Expulsion time was significantly shorter after combined therapy 10.4 + 3.5 days, while after silodosin 14.1 + 4 days, while 17.8 + 3.4 days after tadalafil (p < 0.001). The number of pain episodes, emergency room visits, and the amount of analgesia were significantly in favour of combined therapy (p value 0.004, 0.010, and <0.001) respectively. Conclusions A combination of Silodosin with Tadalafil as a MET for distal ureteric stones is more effective than monotherapy with tolerable side effects.

Efficacy of sexual stimulation in the treatment of distal ureteral stones: A meta-analysis

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of sexual stimulation with that of placebo in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2022 for studies comparing the efficacy of sexual stimulus with that of placebo for the treatment of distal ureteral stones. RevMan 5.3 software was used to pool the data. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42023432408). ResultsA total of six randomized controlled trials comprising 535 cases of distal ureteral stones were included in this study. Among these, 273 cases were associated with sexual intercourse or masturbation 3–4 times a week, while 262 cases only received symptomatic treatment. The pooled results showed that the 2-week [risk ratios (RR) = 1.77, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.34, 2.33] and 4-week [RR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.29, 1.69] ureteral stone expulsion rates of the sexually stimulated group were significantly higher than those of the placebo group (ps < 0.01). Additionally, sexual stimulation was associated with a shorter ureteral stone expulsion time [weighted mean differences (WMD) = −3.74, 95 % CI: −6.27, −1.22, p < 0.01] and a decreased prevalence of renal colic attacks [WMD = −0.61, 95 % CI: −1.01, −0.22, p < 0.01] compared with those of the placebo group. ConclusionAppropriate sexual stimulation can enhance the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones in patients presenting with tolerable pain.

Effect of Alpha-Blocker on Distal Ureteric Calculi: A Comparative Study

Introduction Silodosin is a recently introduced selective alpha- blocker in Medical Expulsive Therapy for the management of distal ureteric calculi. The efficacy and safety of silodosin compared to tamsulosin are controversial, however the former is considered to be more effective. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of silodosin compared to tamsulosin in the treatment of ureteral stones less than 10mm.  Methods This prospective randomized study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, Karnataka. Sixty patients were included in the study who presented with abdominal or loin pain and were diagnosed with unilateral solitary distal ureteric stone measuring &lt;10mm with no complications. Participants in Group I received Tablet Silodosin 8mg OD until the passage of stone or up to two weeks, and Group II received Tablet Tamsulosin 0.4mg OD until the passage of stone or up to two weeks. Analgesic Tablet Diclofenac sodium 50mg was given to both patients on demand.  Results A total of 60 patients were included in the study, divided into 30 patients in each group of Silodosin and tamsulosin respectively. In Group I (silodosin), out of 30 patients, 25 patients expelled the calculus, whereas in Group II (tamsulosin), out of 30 patients, 15 patients expelled the calculus. Group I showed a significantly higher rate of expulsion, with a p-value of 0.005. Stone expulsion time was notably shorter in Group I compared to Group II, with averages of 4.73 days versus 6.33 days (p=0.009). Additionally, analgesic use during the medical expulsive therapy was lower in Group I, averaging 8.25 compared to 4.13 (p=0.0001) in the tamsulosin group. Significant differences were observed in the outcomes such as stone expulsion time, and analgesic requirement. However, no significant differences were found when comparing the groups based on age, gender, stone size, and side of the ureter involved. The 20 patients who failed the medical management underwent ureterorenoscopy with 100% clearance. 3 patients in Group II experienced orthostatic hypotension, and zero patients experienced any side effects in Group I. Compared to tamsulosin, silodosin provides significantly higher stone expulsion rates, fewer colic episodes, and shorter stone expulsion duration than tamsulosin.

Optimum combined MET according to tolerability with efficacy, Silodosin Tadalafil versus Silodosin Vardenafil for distal ureteric stone: a prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical trial.

To determine the optimum combination therapy of Silodosin-Tadalafil versus Silodosin-Vardenafil in terms of both tolerability and efficacy for the management of distal ureteric stones. This prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical trial included 140 patients with distal ureteric stones, randomized into two groups: Group I (n = 67) received Silodosin 8mg once daily combined with Tadalafil 5mg once daily, and Group II (n = 68) received Silodosin 8mg once daily combined with Vardenafil 10mg once daily. The primary outcome was the tolerability of the combination therapies, assessed through the incidence of adverse events. Secondary outcomes included stone expulsion rate, expulsion time, and the need for analgesics. Both combination therapies demonstrated similar efficacy, with no significant differences in stone expulsion rate (70.1% vs. 67.6%, P = 0.754), expulsion time (19 ± 3days for both groups, P = 0.793), and analgesic requirements (P > 0.05). However, the Silodosin-Tadalafil combination showed a significantly lower occurrence of adverse events, with notable differences in headache (23.9% vs. 57.4%, P < 0.001), dizziness (32.8% vs. 60.3%, P = 0.001), and gastrointestinal upset (9% vs. 66.2%, P < 0.001), and other adverse effects. The overall occurrence of any adverse event was significantly lower in the Silodosin-Tadalafil group (88.1% vs. 98.5%, P = 0.017). Both Silodosin-Tadalafil and Silodosin-Vardenafil therapies are effective in managing distal ureteric stones. However, the Silodosin-Tadalafil combination is associated with a significantly lower incidence of adverse events, making it a more tolerable option for patients.

Predictive Value of C-reactive Protein in the Spontaneous Passage of Lower Ureteric Stones: A Prospective Single-Centre Study.

Ureteric stones, characterised by their presence in the ureter, present a common yet often painful urological condition requiring timely intervention. As C-reactive protein (CRP) emerges as a potential biomarker, its correlation with the spontaneous stone passage(SSP) offers valuable insights into patient management and treatment strategies. The present study aimed to assess if CRP levels can predict SSP in symptomatic lower ureteric calculi of size 5 mm-10 mm. This prospective observational study, conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, India, from July 2022 to June 2023, focused on individuals aged 13 to 60 years presenting with ureteric colic and single distal ureteral stones (5 mm-10 mm). Patients underwent comprehensive initial assessment and monitoring, including diagnostic procedures such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, CRP levels, and renal function evaluations. Treatment consisted of hydration encouragement, tamsulosin (0.4 mg) daily administration, and diclofenac (50 mg) as needed. Follow-up assessments at one-month post-treatment involved clinical examination and imaging studies to evaluate treatment efficacy. This study analysed 157 patients with ureteric stones, finding that 76% experienced SSP. Lower CRP levels (≤6 mg/L), along with other laboratory parameters like low white blood cell counts, low neutrophil levels, absence of leukocyturia, absence of hematuria, and lower urine specific gravity, were associated with higher SSP rates. C-reactive protein levels ≤6 mg/L emerged as a strong predictor of SSP in multiple regression analysis. The findings underscore the potential utility of CRP as a predictive biomarker in guiding the management and treatment strategies for ureteric stones.

Treatment of allograft’ ureteral stones with percutaneous laser lithotripsy in a patient post-kidney-transplant: A case report

IntroductionUrolithiasis in transplanted kidneys is a rare complication. The management of urolithiasis in transplant patients is similar to that in the general population. Case presentationA 51-year-old man with end-stage renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy underwent ABO-compatible living-donor kidney transplantation using his younger sister as a donor. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful and the function of the transplanted kidney was excellent during follow-up. In late May 2022, the patient visited our institution with fever, malaise, and oliguria. The function of the transplanted kidney had decreased, with a serum creatinine level of 6.39 mg/dL. Computed tomography demonstrated allograft hydronephrosis and allograft distal ureteral stone. The patient was diagnosed with acute renal failure due to allograft distal ureteral calculi. Moreover, calculous pyelonephritis was also observed. A percutaneous allograft nephrostomy was performed followed by a percutaneous ureteral lithotripsy in early June 2022. The patient underwent an antegrade disposable flexible ureteroscopy, holmium laser lithotripsy, and basket extraction. All stone fragments were surgically removed. After the successful treatment, the allograft kidneys functioned well. ConclusionPercutaneous laser lithotripsy was successfully performed without complications.

Can Artificial Intelligence Accurately Detect Urinary Stones? A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To perform a systematic review on artificial intelligence (AI) performances to detect urinary stones. Methods: A PROSPERO-registered (CRD473152) systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases was performed to identify original research articles pertaining to AI stone detection or measurement, using search terms ("automatic" OR "machine learning" OR "convolutional neural network" OR "artificial intelligence" OR "detection" AND "stone volume"). Risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment was performed according to the Cochrane RoB tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for nonrandomized studies, and the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM). Results: Twelve studies were selected for the final review, including three multicenter and nine single-center retrospective studies. Eleven studies completed at least 50% of the CLAIM checkpoints and only one presented a high RoB. All included studies aimed to detect kidney (5/12, 42%), ureter (2/12, 16%), or urinary (5/12, 42%) stones on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT), but 42% intended to automate measurement. Stone distinction from vascular calcification interested two studies. All studies used AI machine learning network training and internal validation, but a single one provided an external validation. Trained networks achieved stone detection, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates ranging from 58.7% to 100%, 68.5% to 100%, and 63% to 99.95%, respectively. Detection Dice score ranged from 83% to 97%. A high correlation between manual and automated stone volume (r = 0.95) was noted. Differentiate distal ureteral stones and phleboliths seemed feasible. Conclusions: AI processes can achieve automated urinary stone detection from NCCT. Further studies should provide urinary stone detection coupled with phlebolith distinction and an external validation, and include anatomical abnormalities and urologic foreign bodies (ureteral stent and nephrostomy tubes) cases.

Tadalafil versus tamsulosin for distal ureteric stone expulsion; a prospective randomized comparative study

BackgroundTamsulosin, an alpha-blocker in medical expulsive therapy, selectively relaxes ureteral smooth muscle, while Tadalafil, a PDE5-Is, is recommended for treating lower urinary tract symptoms.MethodsThis study compares the effectiveness of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones at the Urology Department, Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt, using baseline demographics, preoperative data, intraoperative data, and outcome analysis.ResultsA randomized comparative study that is prospective and was from March 2019 to March 2021. Although 280 instances were eligible, 30 were eliminated & 250 were randomized, and only 164 patients completed the study. 83 patients were in the study Tadalafil group (Group A), 54 males (65.1%) & 29 (34.9%) and 81 patients were assigned to the Tamsulosin group (Group B), 47 males (58%) &34 females made up the Tadalafil group (Group A). The study was completed by 34 females (42%). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the meantime for stone expulsion between groups A (8.8 ± 3.1 days) and B (10.8 ± 3.4 days, (p = 0.001). With fewer episodes of colic, Group A needed less analgesia than Group B.ConclusionsTadalafil is a safer and more effective treatment for 5–9 mm lower ureteric end stones, offering a higher stone expulsion rate, earlier passage, lower analgesic requirements, and fewer colic episodes.

Optimal duration of medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteral stones: a critical evaluation

To evaluate the optimal duration of Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) application for distal ureteric stones on a time period based manner. 89 patients with 5–10 mm distal ureter stones received tamsulosin (0.4 mg) for MET and diclofenac sodium (75 mg) for analgesia. Patients were evaluated once a week for 4 weeks. Radiologic stone passage was evaluated by kidney ureter bladder (KUB) and ultasonography where non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) was also performed if needed. While 23 cases (28.4%) were SF after first week, 23 were SF (28.4%) after 2 weeks, 9 cases (11.1%) after 3 and lastly 7 cases (8.6%) became SF after four weeks. Nineteen (23.5%) cases were not SF after 4 weeks. A positive relationship was found between the time period elapsed for stone passage and ureteral wall thickness (UWT) along with the degree of hydronephrosis. In addition, mean number of renal colics and emergency department (ED) visits were found to be higher in patients passing stones in the 4th week along with the ones who could not despite MET. SFR for distal ureteric stones sizing 5–10 mm was higher within the first 3 weeks under MET application. Thus, waiting for a longer period of time may result in increased analgesic and unnecessary MET treatment with increased risk of emergency department visits and additional costs as well. We believe that other options could be considered in such cases who are not SF at the end of the first 3 weeks.

Comparing Ureteral Catheterization's Impact on Flank Pain Post Ureteroscopic Stone Management

Background: Urolithiasis, or kidney stone disease, is a prevalent condition that poses significant challenges in urological practice. The management of ureteral stones, particularly through ureteroscopy, is a common intervention. The use of short-term ureteral catheterization as a postoperative pain management strategy following ureteroscopic stone removal has been a subject of debate, with limited evidence on its efficacy and necessity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of short-term ureteral catheterization in reducing postoperative flank pain compared to non-catheterization in patients undergoing uncomplicated ureterolithotripsy for the management of distal ureteral stones. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from January to July 2013, involving 60 patients aged 15-70 years with distal ureteral stones less than 1.0 cm. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received short-term ureteral catheterization, and Group B did not. The primary outcome measured was the reduction in mean pain score by at least 4 points from the baseline at every 6-hour interval for the first 24 hours post-procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, applying chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, and Mann-Whitney tests, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant. Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores at 12, 18, and 24 hours post-operation. However, there was no significant difference in pain reduction between the catheterized (Group A) and non-catheterized (Group B) groups, with p-values of 0.55 for efficacy in pain reduction. The mean age, stone size, and postoperative hospital stay did not significantly differ between the groups, indicating that short-term ureteral catheterization did not offer additional benefits in managing postoperative pain or recovery. Conclusion: Short-term ureteral catheterization following uncomplicated ureterolithotripsy does not significantly improve pain management compared to non-catheterization. This suggests that routine catheterization may be unnecessary, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in postoperative care for patients undergoing ureteroscopic stone removal. Future studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to further validate these findings.

Deciding on a novel predictive value to gauge how well patients with lower ureteric stones respond to medical expulsive therapy.

This study, conducted over 4years in Baghdad, Iraq, aimed to determine the importance of ureteric jet assessment in medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteral stones. A total of 156 patients with distal ureteral stones (≤ 10mm) participated, and their ureteric jets were observed using a color Doppler scanner before and after 2weeks of MET. The main focus was the success rate of stone expulsion. Our results showed that 50% of patients had detectable ureteric jets after 2weeks of MET, and 21.8% experienced successful stone expulsion. After 4weeks, 23.7% achieved stone expulsion, while 54.5% still had remaining stones. Patients who had a positive baseline ureteric jet were significantly more likely to successfully expel their stones. This study highlights the importance of monitoring ureteric jet movement in MET for distal ureteral stones.

Efficacy and safety comparison between silodosin and tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones

BACKGROUND Ureteral stones are a common urological condition causing significant discomfort and morbidity. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is a noninvasive approach to facilitate the passage of stones. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of silodosin and tamsulosin as MET in patients with distal ureteral stones (DUS).&#x0D; METHODS We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ScienceDirect for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the administration of silodosin and tamsulosin for DUS. The primary outcomes analyzed were stone expulsion rates and expulsion times, measured as risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 17.&#x0D; RESULTS 14 RCTs comprising 1,535 patients (770 received silodosin) met the inclusion criteria. The silodosin group had notably higher stone expulsion rates (RR 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.27, p&lt;0.00001, I² = 37%), shorter expulsion times (MD −2.98, 95% CI −4.35–−1.62, p&lt;0.01, I² = 85%), and fewer colicky pain episodes (MD −0.35, 95% CI −0.59–−0.10, p&lt;0.01, I² = 83%) than the tamsulosin group. Retrograde ejaculation was the only adverse event that had a significant difference between both groups, statistically favoring tamsulosin (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.33, p = 0.01, I² = 0%).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS Silodosin should be preferred as the first-line MET agent for DUS owing to its better expulsion rate, shorter stone expulsion time, and fewer colicky pain episodes. However, tamsulosin may be used in selected cases where patients experience retrograde ejaculation after receiving silodosin.

Prediction of spontaneous distal ureteral stone passage using artificial intelligence.

Identifying factors predicting the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones and evaluating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in prediction. The files of patients presenting with distal ureteral stones were retrospectively evaluated. Those who experienced spontaneous passage were assigned to Group P, while those who did not were assigned to Group N. Demographic and clinical data of both groups were compared. Then, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors predicting spontaneous stone passage. Based on these factors, a logistic regression model was prepared, and artificial intelligence algorithms trained on the dataset were compared with this model to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in predicting spontaneous stone passage. When comparing stone characteristics and NCCT findings, it was found that the stone size was significantly smaller in Group P (4.9 ± 1.7mm vs. 6.8 ± 1.4mm), while the ureteral diameter was significantly higher in Group P (3.3 ± 0.9mm vs. 3.1 ± 1.1mm) (p < 0.05). Parameters such as stone HU, stone radiopacity, renal pelvis AP diameter, and perirenal stranding were similar between the groups. In multivariate analysis, stone size and alpha-blocker usage were significant factors in predicting spontaneous stone passage. The ROC analysis for the logistic regression model constructed from the significant variables revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.835, with sensitivity of 80.1% and specificity of 68.4%. AI algorithms predicted the spontaneous stone passage up to 92% sensitivity and up to 86% specifity. AI algorithms are high-powered alternatives that can be used in the prediction of spontaneous distal ureteral stone passage.

Prevalence and predictors of stone passage after double J stenting for symptomatic ureteral stones: a cross-sectional, real-life study.

To evaluate the rate of and predictors of stone passage (SP) after urgent retrograde stenting for symptomatic ureteral stones. We retrospectively analysed data from 249 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department for symptomatic ureteral stones and treated with retrograde stenting. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Stones parameters were collected before stenting and SP was evaluated at 1month with computerized tomography. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between predictors and SP. Overall, median (IQR) age and stone diameter were 56 (45-68) years and 7.1 (4.4-9.8) mm, respectively. Stones were located in the proximal, mid and distal ureter in 102 (41.0%), 48 (19.3%) and 99 (39.8%) cases. SP was observed in 65 (26.2%) individuals. Stone diameter (3.2 vs. 7.7mm, p < 0.001) and stone density (416 vs. 741, p < 0.001) were lower and a higher rate of distal stones (76.9% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.001) was found in the SP group compared to that with persistent stones. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that distal ureteral stone location (OR 7.9, p < 0.01) and lower HU (OR 0.9, p < 0.01) were associated with SP, after accounting for stone volume. Patients with a distal stone of 500 HU had a 75% probability of SP. Stone passage occurred in 26% of patients with indwelling stent due to symptomatic ureteral stones. Lower stone density and distal stone location were independent predictors of stone passage. Patients with these criteria should be managed with follow-up imaging and stent removal instead of ureteroscopy.

Pooled-analysis of tadalafil and tamsulosin for ureteral calculi.

Urolithiasis is a common urological diseases and affects the daily life of patients. Medical expulsive therapy has become acceptable for many parents. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of tadalafil compared with tamsulosin for treating distal ureteral stones less than 10mm in length. Related studies were identified via searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the articles that described the use of tadalafil and tamsulosin for treating distal ureteral stones were collected. A total of 14 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Our results revealed that tadalafil enhanced expulsion rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47 to 0.98, p = 0.04]; reduced expulsion time [mean difference (MD) = 1.22, 95% CI (0.13, 2.30), p = 0.03]; lowered analgesia use [MD = 38.66, 95% CI (7.56, 69.77), p = 0.01] and hospital visits [MD = 0.14, 95% CI (0.06, 0.22), p = 0.0006]. According to our subgroup analysis, either tadalafil 5mg or 10mg did not promote expulsion rate and accelerate expulsion time compared with tamsulosin. But patients receiving 5mg tadalafil decreased analgesia usage [MD = 101.04, 95% CI (67.56, 134.01), p < 0.00001]. Compared with tamsulosin, tadalafil demonstrates a higher expulsion rate and less expulsion time for patients with distal ureteral stones less than 10mm with a favorable safety profile.

Understanding ureteroscopy complications according to modified Clavien classification system.

To determine the complications of ureteric stone treatment with semi-rigid uretero-renoscopy in accordance with the modified Clavien classification system. The descriptive, prospective study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from June 30, 2020, to December 29, 2021, and comprised patients of either gender aged 18-70 years having ureteric stones. All patients were subjected to ureterorenoscopy using a semi-rigid ureteroscope under general anaesthesia. The patients were followed up for 2 months. All complications were noted and graded in line with the Modified Clavien Complication System. Ultrasound and X-ray were used to determine the stone-free rate. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 414 patients, 304(73.4%) were males and 110(26.5%) were females. The overall mean age was 40.22±13.10 years. There were 106(25.6%) proximal, 134(32.3%) middle, and 174(42%) distal ureteric stones. Stent placement was done in 56(13.5%) cases. There were 260(62.8%) patients with no complication, 90(21.7%) with grade I complications, 34(8.2%) with grade II complications, 10(2.4%) with grade IIIa, 8(1.9%) with grade IIIb, and 12 (2.9%) with grade IVa complications. Uretero-renoscopy was found to be a safe procedure, as it had minimal associated complications with optimal stone clearance and great dexterity. The Modified Clavien classification system was found to be an easy way to classify surgical complications of uretero-renoscopy.