Tamsulosin as Adjuvant Treatment Prior to Endoscopic Ureterolithotomy

Efectividad de la Tamsulosina Como Tratamiento Adyuvante Previo a Ureterolitotomia Endoscopica

This a study aiming to compare treatment with tamsulosin versus placebo in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis. The main outcome is the rate of stone free patients.

Endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis has increased during the last several years. Adrenergic receptors have been described mainly in the distal ureter. Blockage of adrenergic receptors has been associated to a decrease in ureteral resistance. In this study the investigators hypothesized that alpha blockers are associated to a decrease in ureteral resistance with an increase in successful endoscopic management of urolithiasis.

Only patients with urolithiasis undergoing to endoscopic treatment are offered to participate. Patients are randomized between placebo arm or tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day. Demographic characteristics, stones characteristics and information related to surgery are recorded. Main study outcome is stone free rate and successful insertion of semirigid ureteroscope 8,0 - 9,8 Fr. All patients are follow-up for 30 days after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with urolithiasis undergoing to endoscopic ureterolithotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previous ureteral catheter

  • Patients with allergy to tamsulosin

  • Patients currently in treatment with tamsulosin for other disease different than ureterolithiasis

  • Multiple ureterolithiasis

  • Patients with impairment of their mental status

    • Patients with open surgeries in the affected ureter or urinary diversion
    • Pregnancy