Stone Expulsion Research Articles

Visualizing the landscape of urolithiasis research from 1979-2023: a global bibliometric analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Urolithiasis is the most prevalent benign urological condition, imposing a significant burden on morbidity, disability, and healthcare costs globally. Despite its impact, comprehensive bibliometric analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) related to urolithiasis, which are essential for advancing evidence-based medical practices, are lacking. This study aimed to examine the global research landscape and trends in RCTs focused on urolithiasis. This study used bibliometric techniques to analyze a selection of RCTs on urolithiasis published between 1979 and 2023. VOSviewer software version 1.6.20 was used to visualize international collaborations and perform a keyword analysis of the included articles. The main objective was to identify key research areas and focal points within the field of urolithiasis RCTs. Between 1979 and 2023, a comprehensive search identified 16,716 research articles on urolithiasis. A total of 693 relevant RCTs were found in the Scopus database. The number of publications has significantly increased over time, indicating a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.9303; P < 0.001). China was the top contributor, with 166 publications (23.95%), followed by the United States, with 130 publications (18.76%). Turkey and Iran contributed 44 (6.35%) and 62 (8.95%) publications, respectively. Citation analysis revealed an average of 28.13 citations per article, an h-index of 70, and a total of 19,493 citations. The co-occurrence analysis highlighted current research trends and key topics in urolithiasis RCTs, including 'comparative effectiveness of surgical and laser techniques and patient outcomes', 'medical expulsive therapy (MET) for ureteral calculi and clinical outcomes', 'systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs investigating urolithiasis', and 'dietary interventions and correlations between stone composition and the risk of recurrence.' The bibliometric analysis provides an overview of research on urolithiasis RCTs. It examines global research trends and identifies new developments in the field. Our review identified key research themes, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, dietary interventions, medical therapy for the expulsion of ureteral stones, and comparisons of surgical techniques-areas that will remain focal points in future research. This bibliometric analysis is an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, providing a complete overview of past and present research trends. Informed decision making can be promoted and guided in future research, ultimately improving management and understanding.

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 &lt;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.

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.

Electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is beneficial for the expulsion of ureteral calculi: a prospective randomized trial.

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating ureteral calculi. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 207 patients with ureteral calculi who were randomly allocated to an experimental group that underwent EA plus ESWL (n = 95) and a control group that underwent only ESWL (n = 112). Imaging examinations were performed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the operation, followed by comparing the stone-clearance rate, time to first stone expulsion, and incidence of major complications between the two groups. The stone-clearance rates at 1 (59.1 vs. 37%, P = 0.002), 2 (86.4 vs. 59.3%, P = 0.000), and 4 (90.9 vs. 77.8%, P = 0.013) weeks after the operation in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The time to first stone expulsion in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.29 ± 1.55 vs. 2.45 ± 3.11 days, respectively; P = 0.001). However, we found no difference in the incidence of major complications between the two groups (15.9 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.754). EA-assisted ESWL significantly improved stone clearance and shortened the time to stone expulsion without elevating the complication risk. However, a large-scale multicenter, prospective study is required to corroborate our conclusions.

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.

Evaluation of a urinary filtration device for kidney stone retrieval: Pi-Box®

IntroductionThere is an unmet need to offer a proper urinary straining device for patients in whom spontaneous expulsion of stones is expected. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacity, duration and ease of use of a new filtration device: the Pi-Box®. Material and methodsThis was a single-institution, non-randomized open-label study. Consecutive male patients with at least one stone that was susceptible of spontaneous passage, or after shockwave lithotripsy were included. The first 30 consecutive patients (Group 1) used the usual recommended techniques, and the 30 following consecutive patients (Group 2) were given the Pi-Box®. The patients completed a questionnaire when seen at 1-month follow-up. ResultsSixty men were included between January 2023 and May 2023. Thirteen (43%) patients retrieved a stone in each group (P=1). Filtration was performed for a median of 5 days in Group 1 and 10 days in Group 2 (P=0.03). Fourteen (46%) patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their filtration technique without the device versus 18 (60%) with the Pi-Box® (P=0.3). Eighteen (60%) and 21 patients (70%) would recommend their straining technique to a relative in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.42). ConclusionsThe number of straining days was twice longer with the Pi-Box® device and is in favor of a better observance. The device did not increase the number of stones retrieved by urine filtration, which was high in this pilot study and may have been due to a participation bias. Level of evidence2B

Role of low-dose deflazacort with tamsulosin versus tamsulosin alone for medical expulsive therapy of ureteric stone

Background: Urolithiasis is a common condition in daily urological practice. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) is non-invasive approach for removal of ureteric stone. In MET, alpha-blocker Tamsulosin is commonly used in treating urolithiasis but it does not address the pathology of inflammation presents in such condition. With addition of low dose Deflazacort as anti-inflammatory agent, there may have a potential to improve the pathology and outcome of the treatment. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to find the efficacy of low-dose deflazacort combined with tamsulosin in the MET for distal ureterolithiasis. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023 in Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital. A total of 130 patients with ureteric stone ≤10 mm were randomized into two groups. Tamsulosin group received tamsulosin (0.4 mg once daily for 28 days). Deflazacort group received tamsulosin (0.4 mg once daily for 28 days) with deflazacort (12 mg once daily for 10 days). All subjects were reviewed on 14 days and 28 days. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of colic episodes, and hospitalization were recorded. Adverse effects of drugs were noted. Results: Among 130 patients randomized, 4 patients were lost to follow-up and 8 patients required early intervention. Deflazacort group had similar rate of stone expulsion (88% vs. 80%, P=0.548). There were significantly shorter expulsion time (10.15 days vs. 14.28 days, P&lt;0.001) and less number of colic episodes (33 episodes vs. 21 episodes, P=0.026) and less analgesic requirements (65% vs. 82.5%, P=0.022) in deflazacort group. No significant side effects were noted during the study. Conclusion: Low-dose deflazacort added to tamsulosin provides a significant advantage in ureteric stone expulsion without any extra side effects. With a comparable rate of stone passage, there are more rapid stone expulsion, low analgesic requirement, and less colic episodes when low-dose deflazacort is added to tamsulosin for ureteric stone ≤10 mm.

PGE2 binding to EP2 promotes ureteral stone expulsion by relaxing ureter via the cAMP-PKA pathway

BackgroundThis study investigated the relaxation effect of PGE2 on the ureter and its role in promoting calculi expulsion following calculi development.MethodsBy using immunofluorescence and Western blot, we were able to locate EP receptors in the ureter. In vitro experiments assessed the impact of PGE2, receptor antagonists, and agonists on ureteral relaxation rate. We constructed a model of ureteral calculi with flowable resin and collected ureteral tissue from postoperative side of the ureter after obstruction surgery. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of EP receptors and the PGE2 terminal synthase mPGES-1. Additionally, PGE2 was added to smooth muscle cells to observe downstream cAMP and PKA changes.ResultsThe expression of EP2 and EP4 proteins in ureteral smooth muscle was verified by Western blot analysis. According to immunofluorescence, EP2 was primarily found on the cell membrane, while EP4 was found in the nucleus. In vitro, PGE2 induced concentration-dependent ureteral relaxation. Maximum diastolic rate was 70.94 ± 4.57% at a concentration of 30µM. EP2 antagonists hindered this effect, while EP4 antagonists did not. Obstructed ureters exhibited elevated mPGES-1 and EP2 protein expression (P < 0.01). Smooth muscle cells treated with PGE2 displayed increased cAMP and phosphorylated PKA.ConclusionsPGE2 binding to EP2 induces ureteral relaxation through the cAMP-PKA pathway. This will provide a new theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches for the use of PGE2 in the treatment of ureteral stones.

#2278 EUROCYS, a European cystinuria registry

Abstract Background and Aims Cystinuria (OMIM 220100) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which high urinary cystine excretion leads to formation of cystine stones due to its low solubility at normal urinary pH. Retrospective series have been published but precise data to guide long term optimal management of these patients are lacking. Our goal was to collect consistent and comparative prospective clinical, biological, genetic and radiological data from patients (children and adults) with cystinuria followed in European centers. Method We developed EUROCYS, a multidisciplinary, European, multicenter registry of patients with cystinuria in which demographic, clinical, surgical, biological, genetic, radiological and therapeutic data are collected longitudinally. These data are recorded via the European Rare Kidney Disease Registry (ERKReg) platform. Results Enrolment started in July 2021. To date, 269 patients have been included at 29 different centers in 8 European countries. Mean age at diagnosis was 18.7 years (SD 17.3) and mean age at inclusion was 35.4 years (20.2). 86.9% of patients had less than 9 calculi extractions reported, 11.0% had between 10 to 19, and 2.0% had more than 20. 61.4% (418/680) were treated by ureteroscopy, 16.2% (110/680) by shock wave lithotripsy and 16.0% (109/680) by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. 39% of patients had a new stone expulsion or surgery during the last 12 months. At the inclusion visit, mean urinary pH was below the recommended level at 6, 8 (0.8). Only 16.3% of patients had a urinary pH between 7.5 and 8: 77.2% of patients had a urinary pH below 7.5 and 6.3% above 8. In adults, mean 24-hour urinary volume was 2653 mL (1077). 34.9% had a target urine volume above 3000 ml. Under treatment, spot urine cystine concentration was 345.5 mg/l (255.2) and 44.8% of patients had a concentration below target concentration (250 mg/l). Mean sodium urinary excretion was 147 mmol/24 h (67). Only 29% of patients had a sodium urinary excretion below 100 mmol/24 h. As alkalinizing agent, 87.2% of patients received potassium citrate, 16.3% sodium bicarbonate and 9.1% potassium bicarbonate. As cystine binding drug, 71 patients (26.7%) were treated with Tiopronin and 3 experienced serious adverse events (hematological, cutaneous, proteinuria). 15 (5.6%) were treated with D-Penicillamine and 2 had adverse events (proteinuria and gastrointestinal). In adults, mean eGFR at inclusion was 82.1 ml/min/1.73 m² (26.3): 40.9% of patients were at chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1, 40.1% at CKD2, 16.7% at CKD3, 0.7% at CKD 4 and 1.5% at CKD5. Conclusion The EUROCYS registry shows real life data on cystinuria patients followed in European centers. Despite alkalinizing treatment, most patients do not reach the recommended urinary pH level and only one third have an adequate urinary volume. This registry will allow analyzing the impact of adhesion to recommendations on disease activity.

Renal colic

Renal colic accounts for 5-10% of all emergency department visits, making it acommon condition in acute medicine. The typical clinical presentation is an early indication of urolithiasis. Diagnostic measures include laboratory tests, ultrasound, and low-dose noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scans. Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) plain film radiography has been widely replaced by low-dose noncontrast CT with similar radiation dosage. In special patient groups such as children or pregnant women, ionizing radiation should be avoided if possible. General measures involve pain management (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, opioids) and empirical antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial infection. Depending on the location/size of the stone, pharmacological stone expulsion therapy may be considered. In cases of obstructive pyelonephritis or acute renal insufficiency, early urinary drainage (JJ stent/nephrostomy) is recommended. Definitive stone removal may be performed primarily in some cases (rather small and rather distal ureterolithiasis). It is common to schedule stone removal as asecondary intervention.

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&amp;lt;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.

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.

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.

Tamsulosin vs. Tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is recommended for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm. The best drug for MET is still uncertain. In this review, we aim to compare the effectiveness of tadalafil and tamsulosin for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm in terms of stone expulsion rate (SER), stone expulsion time (SET) and the side effect profile. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception until April 2023. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Eleven publications with 1,330 patients were included. We observed that tadalafil has a higher SER (OR 0.55, CI 95% 0.38;0.80, p=0.02, I2=52%) and the same efficacy in SET (MD 1.07, CI 95% -0.25; 2.39, p=0.11, I2=84%). No differences were found when comparing side effects as headache, backache, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. Tadalafil has a higher stone expulsion rate than tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy for patients with distal stones from 5 to 10 mm without differences in side effects.

Efficacy of sexual intercosurse in the spontaneous passage of distal or intramural ureteral stones: a randomsized controlled trial

Background: The role of sexual intercourse as an alternative treatment approach for ureteral stones (UTSs) is a recent area of investigation with only small sample-sized studies. This study aims to evaluate the role of sexual intercourse in the spontaneous passage of distal or intramural UTSs via a larger sample size. Materials and methods: The study population included cases that had either a distal ureteric or an intramural radiopaque stone. The patients were divided into two groups; group A was instructed to engage in sexual intercourse two to three times per week while also receiving symptomatic treatment for 4 weeks. Group B received symptomatic treatment alone and was instructed to abstain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for the same period. Results: A total of 160 male patients were enrolled in this study. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 58 years. The rate of stone expulsion after 2 weeks was 68.18% in group A and 53% in group B (P=0.053). The expulsion rate after 4 weeks was 80% in group A and 68.4% in group B (P=0.072). The mean expulsion time was 13.9±5.4 days for the experimental group and 15.2±6.7 days for the control group (P=0.179). The experimental group required fewer analgesic injections in comparison to the control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: While the role of sexual intercourse in facilitating the passage of distal or intramural UTSs cannot be fully established, it may aid to some extent. However, it should not be relied upon as a standalone treatment modality.

Improved stone quality of life in patients with an obstructing ureteral stone on alpha-blocker medical expulsive therapy.

Though controversial, alpha blockers are used widely for ureteral stone passage. However, its effects on the patient-reported Quality of life (QOL) is unknown. We compared the QoL of patients on alpha-blocker medical expulsive therapy (MET) to patients not on MET (noMET) utilizing the validated Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL). This prospective study included patients prescribed either MET or noMET after presentation with symptomatic, obstructing ureteral stones. The treatment arm was decided at the point of care by the initial treating physician and included analgesia and antiemetics. Tamsulosin (0.4mg daily) was prescribed for the MET group. The WISQOL survey was administered at baseline, 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-days following discharge from the ED or until stone expulsion. 197 patients were enrolled, of which 116 (59.2%) completed questionnaires for analysis, 91 in the MET group and 25 in noMET. Average ureteral stone size was 4.7mm (SD 1.8) and 3.1mm (SD 1.0) for MET and noMET, respectively. Of completed surveys, 105 (90%) were completed at day 7, 67 (57.6%) at day 14, 53 (45.7%) at day 21, and 40 (34.5%) at day 28. MET was associated with improved QoL scores across all WISQOL domains compared to noMET. Stone size, age, race, sex, comorbidity score and a prior stone history were not associated with reduced QoL. The use of MET was associated with improved QOL on all WISQOL metrics compared to noMET patients. Improved stone QOL may be an indication of alpha-blocker therapy in patients with ureteral stone colic.

A Comparison Between Silodosin and Tamsulosin for Medical Expulsive Therapy of Distal Ureteric Calculus.

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is an established treatment option for distal ureteric stones. Tamsulosin, a selective alpha-1 blocker, has been used for MET with good results, while silodosin, a more selective alpha-1a blocker, is more effective than tamsulosin for MET. Thus, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of silodosin with tamsulosin. This prospective randomized study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Government Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. Eighty patients who presented with ureteric colic and were radiologically diagnosed with distal ureteric calculus of size <10mm were included. Participants in the silodosin group received tablet silodosin 8mg OD until the passage of the stone, not more than two weeks, and analgesics as per demand. And participants in the tamsulosin group received tablet tamsulosin 0.4mg OD until the passage of the stone, not more than two weeks, and analgesics as per demand. A total of 80 patients were included in the study. Forty patients in the silodosin group and forty patients in the tamsulosin group were included. In the silodosin group, out of 40 patients, 38 expelled the calculus. In the tamsulosin group, out of 40 patients, 28 expelled the calculus. The silodosin group had a significantly higher rate of expulsion, with a p-value of 0.003. Stone expulsion time was shorter in the silodosin group when compared with the tamsulosin group (10.15 vs. 13.4 days). Analgesic usage during medical expulsive therapy was lower in the silodosin group (5.68 vs. 8.4). We observed significant differences in comparing the outcome, stone expulsion time, and analgesic requirement between the silodosin and tamsulosin groups. We observed no significant difference between the groups for age-wise and gender-wise comparisons. Furthermore, non-expulsion of calculus in four patients and pain in eight patients were the reasons for intervention in the tamsulosin group. The reason for intervention in the silodosin group was the non-expulsion of calculus in two patients. Using silodosin for MET of distal ureteric calculus, we found to have a better stone expulsion rate, early expulsion time, and reduced analgesic requirement.