Medical expulsive therapy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Researchers have recently sought out pharmacologic means of increasing rates of urinary stone passage. We outline the current understanding in medical expulsive therapy.

Recent findings: We review available articles characterizing pharmaceutical agents including alpha receptor antagonists as medical expulsive agents.

Summary: Medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones provides a nonsurgical option for patients with ureteral stones. In view of the available clinical trials and meta-analysis, patients with distal ureteral stones measuring less than 1 cm who are candidates for observation warrant a trial of medical expulsive therapy.