Effect of tamsulosin in preventing ureteral stent-related morbidity: a prospective study

We conducted a randomized study to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin in improving symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients with indwelling double-pigtail ureteral stents, using both generic and specific questionnaires.

We prospectively enrolled 75 patients (29 men, 46 women; mean age, 42.3 years), who underwent ureteral stent positioning and were assigned to one of two study groups. In group A (n = 38), patients were discharged with a prescription for tamsulosin, 0.4 mg once daily. In group B (n = 37), patients received no alpha(1)-blocker (control group).

One week after stent placement (visit week 1 [W1]), analysis of the ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire showed a significant worsening of urinary symptoms (13.1 v 26.4, P = 0.008) and pain (4.1 v 21.6, P = 0.002) in patients not receiving tamsulosin. There was also a significant difference in the mean visual analog score (VAS) of health scale between the two groups (P < 0.001) compared with the result obtained at the W4 evaluation (visit). The proportion of patients reporting level 2 or 3 for the pain/discomfort domain in the QoL questionnaire from W4 to W1 varied between the two groups in a highly statistically significant manner (P = 0.006).

Our findings indicate that administration of tamsulosin has a positive effect on stent-related urinary symptoms and QoL. Further clinical research in this area is warranted to better define the role of alpha(1)-blockers in current clinical practice.