[Application of Alpha1-adrenergic antagonist with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower ureteral stone]

To evaluate the efficacy of alpha1-adrenergic antagonist in the medical management of lower ureteral stone with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

A total of 80 patients with stone located in lower ureter were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 served as control and group 2 received tamsulosin (0.4 mg, once daily) after ESWL. All patients were observed for 2 weeks and asked to compile a diary about renal colic, stone expulsion, use of analgesic drugs, and side effects of medical therapy.

During 2 weeks, stones were expulsed in 18 patients (45.0%) of group 1 and in 31 patients (77.5%) of group 2. The expulsion rate between group 1 and group 2 was significantly different (P < 0.01). Eight patients (20.0%) in group 1 and 2 patients (5.0%) in group 2 experienced renal colic relapse within 2 weeks and were administered with analgesics (P < 0.05). No side effect in group 1 was reported, except that 2 patients in group 2 complained of slight dizziness.

Tamsulosin (alpha1-adrenergic antagonist) can improve the stone-free rate of lower ureteral stones after ESWL and reduce the relapse of renal colic. As a safe and effective agent, it can be regarded as an auxiliary clearance method after ESWL for lower ureteral stones.