Efficacy of tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day in relieving double-J stent-related symptoms: a randomized controlled study

This study evaluated the efficacy of tamsulosin in improving stent-related symptoms and quality of life in patients with in-dwelling double-J ureteral stents. A total of 42 patients (15 males and 27 females) with ureteral stent placement following ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or balloon dilatation, were prospectively randomized into two groups of 21 patients. Group I received 0.4 mg tamsulosin once daily for 4 weeks and group II was a non-placebo, non-treatment control. All patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and SF-36 questionnaires at 2 and 4 weeks post-operatively. The IPSS scores for irritative and obstructive symptoms were significantly lower in group I than group II at both 2 and 4 weeks. Among the eight domains of SF-36, role limitation due to physical health and bodily pain was significantly better in group I at 2 and 4 weeks. General health was also significantly better in group I at 2 weeks. Tamsulosin improved both urinary symptoms and quality of life without causing serious side-effects.