Speedy elimination of ureterolithiasis in lower part of ureters with the alpha 1-blocker--Tamsulosin

Abstract

Background: Alpha-I blockers decrease the tension and release the spasm of smooth muscles and thus lessen the obstruction and irritation symptoms in the lower urinary tract (LUTS). They make a faster passing of calculi from the terminal part of the ureters possible.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to objectively assess the improvement of difficulties caused by obstructions in ureterolithiasis localized in the lower part of the ureters of 104 randomly chosen patients (pts.) in a double-blind study.

Methods: During a period of 2 and half years (June 1999-January 2002) 104 pts. suffering from ureterolithiasis of the lower urinary tract were treated and observed. Patients were divided into two groups: A (n:53; later only 51 were evaluated) which was subjected to standard treatment and group B (n:51) where the standard treatment was supplemented by the alpha-1 blocker. As alpha-1 blocker one capsule of Tamsulosin/OMNIC 0.4/ was administered daily.

Results: With alpha-1 blocker, we have registered a more speedy passing of calculi from the terminal parts of ureters in 17.6% of pts. Recurrence of renal colics was less frequent and occurred in one of eight pts. as compared with group A (without the alpha-1 blocker) where a recurrence of the renal colic was observed in about every fifth pts. In group A (n:51), 62.8% of the pts. passed the calculi, whereas in group B (n:51), where standard treatment was supplemented by the administration of the alpha-1 blocker Tamsulosin, this percentage increased to 80.4%.

Conclusion: The treatment by alpha-1 blockers considerably decreased not only LUTS but also helped to accelerate the passing of minor calculi from the terminal parts of the ureters of 80.4% of pts. It seems that alpha-1 blockers potentiate the spasmoanalgetic action of drugs used in standard methods of treatment.